The 4 Stages of a Fire

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

It’s important to keep in mind these points in order to keep you safe.

Incipient- This is the first stage of a fire. It begins when oxygen, heat, and a fuel source mix to create and form a chemical reactions which then results in what is known as a fire. Another term for this stage is the “Ignition” stage. It starts off as a very small fire and then grows to increase the stages. Identifying a fire at this stage is your best chance to escape or suppress it.

Growth- This stage is where the oxygen in the air is fueling the fire. This is the shortest of all 4 stages and potentially can be extremely dangerous. If during this stage you haven’t already make your way to escape.

Fully Developed- This is where the stages reach their peak. All combustible materials are now ignited and the fire is fully developed. This stage in fact is considered the hottest stage and the most dangerous for anyone who is still trapped inside the fire.

Decay- At this point, the fire has now turned to its “decay” stage. This is considered the longest stage but shows a significant drop in oxygen or fuel, which puts an end to the fire. Without oxygen, the fire cannot live and grow. There are two dangers to keep in mind during this stage, however. If there are non-flaming combustibles, a new fire can potentially start if they’re not fully extinguished. Second, there is a possibility of when oxygen is re-introduced to the space in which the fire existed.