Flashover is best described as the transition between which two fire stages?

Flashover is best described as the transition between which two fire stages?

• A. Untenable condition and growth
• B. Ignition and growth
• C. Decay and extinction
• D. Transition between fully developed stage and decay stage

Answer: (D)

Flashover occurs when a compartment fire shifts from actively growing to fully involved. As heat builds in the room during the growth phase, fuels near surfaces and in contents reach ignition temperatures. When these fuels ignite almost simultaneously, the fire rapidly erupts into a fully developed state, with most combustibles burning and heat release peaking. The decay stage comes later, after fuel is exhausted and the fire’s heat output declines. So flashover is the transition from the growth phase to the fully developed phase.

Flashover occurs when a compartment fire shifts from actively growing to fully involved. As heat builds in the room during the growth phase, fuels near surfaces and in contents reach ignition temperatures. When these fuels ignite almost simultaneously, the fire rapidly erupts into a fully developed state, with most combustibles burning and heat release peaking. The decay stage comes later, after fuel is exhausted and the fire’s heat output declines. So flashover is the transition from the growth phase to the fully developed phase.