How many stages are there in the development of fire?

The development of fire is typically described in five distinct stages. Understanding these stages is essential for fire prevention, firefighting tactics, and fire behavior analysis.

The stages include:

1. Incipient Stage: This is the initial phase of a fire when it begins to ignite. During this stage, the fire is still small and manageable, and it is often fueled by combustible materials that are just starting to burn.

2. Growth Stage: In this phase, the fire begins to spread as it finds more fuel. The temperature rises, and smoke production increases. This is a critical stage where the fire may grow rapidly depending on the availability of oxygen and fuel.

3. Fully Developed Stage: At this point, the fire has reached its peak intensity. All available fuel is being consumed, and the fire is producing significant heat and smoke. This stage is characterized by a well-established flame front.

4. Decay Stage: Following the fully developed stage, the fire begins to run out of fuel or oxygen. The intensity and heat decrease, and this stage often leads to the fire eventually extinguishing itself.

5. Extinguished Stage: In this final stage, the fire is completely out. Cooling occurs, and there may