Stages Of Fire

In order to get a fire leveled out, a firefighting team will lead a short risk assessment. When managing a fire, it is important to know the various phases of fire. Recognizing the development stage of the fire will enable the firemen to pick a suitable strategy for extinguishing the fire. 

Awareness of the fire development stages causes firefighting teams to -

• Find the best extinguishing method
• Limit risk to firefighting personnel
• Predict the progression of the fire
• To help limit the risk to your building during a fire, look at our fire protection courses.

Stage:1 Incipient

An incipient flame is a fire that is still in its starting stage. Fire in this initial stage can be extinguished or controlled by portable fire fighting equipment. Any fire that has advanced to a point where visibility has been comprised by smoke or organizing firefighting is required, can never be called as an incipient flame. 

An incipient fire can be characterized by the following factors: 

• Flames are small and aren't widespread
• Smoke permits visibility in the room 
• The heat radiated from the fire is low (in comparison with later stages) 

Stage 2: Growth

As we travel through the phase of a fire, we go to the second stage – growth. The growth of a flame will be influenced by the structure of the building and the fuel available. 

The growth phases are characterized by the following factors: 

• There are adequate oxygen and fuel to support the ongoing growth of the fire 
• A defined layer of smoke over the fire 
• The temperature in the room increases
• Buildup disappears from windows 
• Dark colored stains on window glaze may show cracks in windows

Stage 3: Fully Developed

After the flashover, the fire reaches the fully developed stage. Out of the considerable number of stages of fire growth, this stage is the place where energy releases. The temperature will be at its most highest point (generally close to 700°-1200°C). 

Fully developed fires can be identified by the following factors: 

• Darkened or black smoke 
• Thick smoke 
• Generous amount of heat
• Blackened window glazing
• Visible exterior fires
• Fire clouded by smoke 

Decay

During the final stages of flame, a fire will enter the decay stage. This stage happens after the fully-developed fire begins to come up of fuel or oxygen. Fires can be forced into the decay stage by decreasing the oxygen supply with firefighting equipment. Restricting the fire to one compartment (or territory) will contain the available fuel and growth of the flame. It is basic during this stage to limit the flame's access to inflammable material and oxygen. Regardless of whether a fire appears an impression to be out, there is an opportunity of reignition when the correct materials are available. 

Prevention in Your Building 

To ensure your employees can battle the early stage of fire, ensure you keep up your fire protection equipment.