GROUP 2

DISCUSS THE VARIOUS STAGES OF FIRE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN A

COMPARTMENT
Introduction

• Fire development within a compartment can be broken down into

several distinct stages, each with its own characteristics and
implications for firefighting operations. Understanding these stages is
crucial for fire safety professionals in order to effectively manage and
mitigate the risks associated with fires in enclosed spaces.
Incipient stage
• The first stage of fire development is the incipient stage, which is
characterized by the initial ignition of combustible materials within
the compartment. At this stage, the fire is small and localized, and
may be easily extinguished with a portable fire extinguisher.
. Ignition: The incipient stage begins with the ignition of a flammable
material, such as a spark, open flame, or heat source. Ignition can occur
due to various reasons, including electrical faults, chemical reactions,
open flames, or heat transfer from nearby sources.
•
Limited Fuel: During the incipient stage, the fire is generally fueled by a
limited amount of combustible material. The available fuel may include
items such as paper, furniture, fabrics, or other flammable substances
present in the compartment. The size and quantity of the fuel
determine the fire's initial intensity and heat release rate.
•
 Limited Flame Spread: In the
incipient stage, the flame or
smoldering is usually contained
within a small area. The fire has not
yet spread extensively to other
parts of the compartment or
involved larger
• . Heat Generation: As the fire starts, it releases heat energy through
the process of combustion. The heat generated in the incipient stage
is relatively low compared to the later stages. However, if the
conditions are favorable, the heat release rate can increase rapidly,
transitioning the fire to the growth stage.
Smoke Production: Even in the incipient stage, the fire produces smoke,
which is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. The amount of smoke
generated may vary depending on the fuel type and ventilation
conditions. The smoke can be an indicator of fire presence and can
contribute to reduced visibility and potential respiratory hazards.
•
. Potential for Self-Extinguishment: In some cases, small fires in the
incipient stage may self-extinguish if the available fuel is consumed or if
the fire is deprived of oxygen. However, it is crucial not to rely solely on
self-extinguishment and to initiate appropriate fire safety measures and
evacuation protocols.
•
Growth stage
• The second stage is growth stage .During the growth stage, the fire
begins to increase in size and intensity. As the available fuel is
consumed, the heat release rate will increase, leading to a more
significant impact on the environment within the compartment. This
stage represents the fire's transition from a small, localized event to a
larger, more intense fire that poses a greater threat .
• This stage is marked by increasing temperatures and the production
of thick, black smoke. Firefighters must act quickly and decisively
during this stage to prevent the fire from spreading further and
endangering occupants or property.
 Flame Spread: In the growth stage, the fire begins to spread beyond its
initial point of ignition. The flames extend to involve a larger area and
can rapidly move along available fuel sources. The fire may spread
horizontally across surfaces or vertically, such as climbing up walls or
through ventilation systems.
•
Increased Heat Release Rate: As the fire grows, the heat release rate
escalates significantly compared to the incipient stage. More fuel is
being consumed, generating larger flames and greater amounts of heat
energy. The intensifying heat can raise the temperature within the
compartment, affecting structural elements and creating hazardous
conditions for occupants.
•
. Smoke and Toxic Gas Production: The growth stage is associated with
the production of copious amounts of smoke and toxic gases. The
incomplete combustion of fuels generates thick, black smoke, reducing
visibility and making it challenging to navigate the environment. The
smoke contains various toxic substances, including carbon monoxide,
hydrogen cyanide, and other harmful compounds, posing a severe
threat to occupants.
•
Rapid Fire Growth: The fire undergoes significant growth and
progression during this stage. The rate of fire spread can be influenced
by factors such as the availability of fuel, ventilation conditions, and the
fire's interaction with the compartment's geometry. If the conditions
are favorable, the fire can spread quickly, covering larger areas and
involving more combustible materials.
•
 Increased Risk of Flashover: Flashover is a critical event that can occur
during the growth stage. It is defined as the near-simultaneous ignition
of all combustible materials within a space. As the fire grows and
releases more heat, the temperature within the compartment rises.
When the temperature reaches a critical level, typically around 1,100 to
1,
•
Fully developed stage
• The fully developed stage is characterized by the fire reaching its
maximum intensity. The average gas temperature within a
compartment during a fully developed fire ranges from 700o - 1200o
C (1292o - 2192o F). At this stage, the fire is at its most dangerous,
with maximum temperatures and the most heat damage. It is the
hardest stage to suppress because the fire is at its peak intensity
• Firefighters must exercise extreme caution during this stage, as the
risk of injury or death is significantly higher.
 Maximum Heat Release: In the fully developed stage, the fire
generates its highest heat release rate. The available fuel within the
compartment is being rapidly consumed, resulting in intense flames
and an elevated temperature. The heat can radiate to surrounding
surfaces, causing them to ignite or reach their ignition temperature.
•
Widespread Flames: The flames in the fully developed stage are large,
intense, and widespread. They can extend throughout the
compartment, engulfing all available combustible materials. The flames
may reach the ceiling and spread horizontally, creating a fire front that
can quickly propagate through the space.
•
. Thick Smoke and Toxic Gases: As the fire reaches its peak, the
production of smoke and toxic gases also intensifies. The thick, black
smoke reduces visibility to almost zero, making it extremely challenging
for occupants and firefighters to navigate or locate escape routes. The
smoke contains a high concentration of toxic gases, posing severe
respiratory hazards.
•
• High Temperatures: The fully developed stage is characterized by
extremely high temperatures within the compartment. The
temperature can exceed 1,100 degrees Celsius (2,000 degrees
Fahrenheit) and can potentially compromise the structural integrity of
the building. The intense heat can cause materials to melt, weaken, or
even collapse, further
5. Potential for Structural Failure: The prolonged exposure to high
temperatures and intense heat in the fully developed stage can lead to
structural failure or collapse of the building. The degradation of load-
bearing elements, such as steel beams or concrete columns, may occur,
posing significant risks to the safety of occupants and firefighters.
•
• Limited Oxygen Supply: Due to the intense fire and the rapid
consumption of available fuel, the fully developed stage may
experience a limited oxygen supply. The fire may have consumed a
substantial amount of the oxygen within the compartment, resulting
in a reduced level of oxygen required to sustain the fire. This can
affect the fire's growth and behavior.
Decay stage
• As the available fuel is consumed, the heat release rate will decline,
and the fire may return to a fuel-controlled state as the available
oxygen supply becomes adequate for the rate of combustion. This
stage represents the gradual reduction in the fire's intensity and the
eventual extinguishment of the fire .
• This stage may last for several hours, during which firefighters must
continue to monitor the situation and ensure that the fire is fully
extinguished to prevent re-ignition.
Reduced Heat Release: In the decay stage, the fire's heat release rate
decreases compared to the fully developed stage. The available fuel
within the compartment has been consumed to a large extent,
resulting in a diminishing fuel supply. As a result, the fire's intensity and
heat production gradually decrease.
•
• 2. Weakening Flames: The flames in the decay stage become smaller
and less intense compared to the fully developed stage. They may
flicker, smolder, or produce intermittent bursts of flame. The reduced
fuel availability and lower heat release rate contribute to the
weakened flames.
. Diminishing Smoke: As the fire subsides, the production of smoke also
diminishes. The amount and density of smoke decrease, resulting in
improved visibility within the compartment and surrounding areas.
However, it's essential to remain cautious as pockets of smoldering or
lingering toxic gases may still be present.
•
Cooling of the Environment: With the reduction in heat release rate,
the temperature within the compartment gradually decreases during
the decay stage. The cooling effect helps mitigate the risk of structural
damage and reduces the potential for rekindling or reignition of the
fire.
•
Lingering Hot Spots: Despite the diminishing fire activity, there may still
be localized hot spots or areas of smoldering within the compartment.
These hot spots can remain for an extended period, especially in deep-
seated materials or areas that were heavily insulated during the fire's
peak. Proper monitoring and cooling measures are necessary to ensure
complete extinguishment.
•
• 6. Ventilation Considerations: Ventilation plays a crucial role in the
decay stage. Adequate ventilation can help dissipate the remaining
heat, smoke, and toxic gases from the compartment. However,
sudden influxes of fresh air can potentially reignite smoldering
materials or cause flare-ups. Firefighters must carefully manage
ventilation to avoid rekindling the fire.
diagram shows
the stages of fire
development
Additional stages of fire
development
• In addition to the primary stages of fire development within a compartment, there are
several other critical phenomena that can occur, including flashover, backdraft, and smoke
explosion.
• Understanding these additional stages of fire development is essential for firefighter safety,
tactical decision-making, and effective fire suppression strategies. Recognizing the warning
signs and characteristics of flashover, backdraft, and smoke explosion can help mitigate the
risks associated with these extreme fire behavior phenomena.

Flashover
• Flashover is the transition of a compartment fire from the growth to the fully developed
stage. It is a heat-driven event that depends on the presence of adequate fuel and oxygen.
During flashover, the entire contents of a room or compartment ignite almost
simultaneously, leading to a rapid increase in temperature and the involvement of the entire
space in flames.
Backdraft

• A backdraft is an air-driven event that occurs when a ventilation-

limited space containing unburned fuel and gases suddenly receives an
influx of oxygen. This can result in a rapid deflagration with explosive
force. Backdraft conditions may develop when the available air supply is
limited, leading to a buildup of heated gases and a sudden introduction
of oxygen.
• The ignition of the accumulated gases can result in a rapid and violent
explosion, posing a significant risk to firefighters and occupants.
Recognizing the signs of potential backdraft conditions is crucial for
firefighter safety.
Smoke explosion

• A smoke explosion occurs when a closed compartment suddenly

erupts in flames and smoke without a sudden opening. The only
introduced oxygen is through leakage into the compartment. This
phenomenon is different from a backdraft and can lead to the
ejection of smoke and flames from small openings in the
compartment.
• Smoke explosions are characterized by sudden and violent
eruptions, often causing structural damage and posing a significant
hazard to firefighters and occupants.
GROUP MEMBERS
• Marshal Jonasi B226086B NRM
• Valentine Pamacheche B223872B NRM
• Eunice Chingema B220081B SHEM
• Ropafadzo Chenava B226004B NRM
• Patience Takaendesa B223614B NRM
• Joanah Machukera B224673B NRM
• Michelle Mhlanga B223751B SHEM
• Delma VM Muvirimi B224363B
• Obrien Matarutse B2237148B NRM
• Takudzwa Mhizha B224094B NRM
• Edeline Derembwe B227107A NRM
• Ashley Mulaviwa
• Ephraim Mudapandu. B227380A. SHEM
• Tsungai Shongedzwa B224004B
• Audrey Kumponda. B224574B SHEM