What are the phases of fire development?

The phases of fire development outline the typical progression of a fire from its initial ignition to its eventual extinguishment.

In the correct answer, the phases include ignition, growth, fully developed, and decay.

• Ignition is the initial phase where the fire starts due to a combustible material, an ignition source, and an adequate amount of oxygen. This phase sets the stage for the entire fire development process.

• Growth refers to the stage where the fire begins to spread as additional combustible materials and heat are involved. This phase is critical because it's when a fire can expand rapidly if conditions are favorable, such as adequate oxygen and available fuels.

• Fully developed is characterized by the fire reaching its peak intensity, where it has consumed most of the available fuels, and it can generate significant heat and smoke. At this stage, the fire is at its most dangerous.

• Decay represents the phase when the fire starts to lose energy and intensity, typically due to the exhaustion of available fuel or the introduction of suppression efforts. This is the point where the fire's impact begins to lessen, leading to either control or complete extinguishment of the fire.

Recognizing these phases is crucial for effective fire management and safety strategies,