During the decay stage, what typically happens to the fire?

During the decay stage, the fire typically starts to decrease in intensity. This is a natural part of the fire lifecycle that follows the fully developed stage, where the fire has consumed much of the available fuel and oxygen. As these critical elements are depleted, the combustion process slows down, leading to a reduction in flames and heat output.

This decrease in intensity can be attributed to factors such as the exhaustion of the fuel source, which limits the fire's ability to sustain itself. Additionally, as the fire consumes available oxygen, the combustion process is hindered, further contributing to the reduction in fire activity. Understanding the decay stage is crucial for fire control strategies, as it provides an opportunity for firefighters to effectively extinguish the remaining fire elements before they can reignite or spread.