Which phase of fire is characterized by diminishing fire?

Which phase of fire is characterized by diminishing fire?

• A. Decay
• B. Ignition
• C. Fully developed
• D. Growth

Answer: (A)

In fire behavior, the decay phase is the stage where the fire’s energy output diminishes as fuels are consumed and oxygen becomes limited. Flames shrink or fade, temperatures drop, and you may still see glowing embers or lingering smoke even though the visible fire is winding down. This contrasts with ignition and growth, where heat and flames are building, and with the fully developed stage, where the fire reaches maximum heat and spread. Decay means the fire is subsiding, though pockets of smoldering material can rekindle if air or new fuel is introduced.

In fire behavior, the decay phase is the stage where the fire’s energy output diminishes as fuels are consumed and oxygen becomes limited. Flames shrink or fade, temperatures drop, and you may still see glowing embers or lingering smoke even though the visible fire is winding down. This contrasts with ignition and growth, where heat and flames are building, and with the fully developed stage, where the fire reaches maximum heat and spread. Decay means the fire is subsiding, though pockets of smoldering material can rekindle if air or new fuel is introduced.