During which stage is rapid fire development most likely to occur?

The growth stage of a fire is characterized by rapid fire development and significant increases in fire intensity. During this phase, the fire gains additional fuel, often feeding on surrounding materials, and it can spread quickly throughout the available fuel sources. As the temperature rises and the heat released from the flames increases, it leads to flashover potential, where all combustible materials in the area may ignite almost simultaneously.

In this stage, the fire transitions from a well-defined initial phase to a chaotic and unpredictable situation, often marked by visible flames and an increase in smoke production. Factors such as the layout of the building, fire load, ventilation conditions, and available oxygen all contribute to the intensity of the growth phase.

The initial stage is where the fire starts and is less intense, while the fully developed stage has reached peak intensity, indicating that the fire has stabilized. The decay stage sees a reduction in fire intensity as fuel is consumed and conditions become less favorable for combustion. Thus, the growth stage is crucial for firefighters to understand as it poses the highest risk for rapid fire spread and can influence their tactical decisions during fire response.