What do we call the first stage of fire development where ignition occurs?

The first stage of fire development, where ignition occurs, is referred to as the ignition stage. During this stage, a combustible material reaches its ignition temperature, leading to the start of combustion. This stage is critical because it marks the point at which smoke and heat begin to develop, and a fire starts to establish itself. The ignition stage sets the foundation for the subsequent growth stage, where the fire spreads and increases in intensity as more fuel becomes involved. Understanding this stage is essential for fire behavior analysis and effective fire response strategies.