What stage of fire development occurs after the fully developed stage?

The decay stage is the correct answer as it represents the phase that comes after the fully developed stage of fire. In the fully developed stage, the fire is at its peak, consuming fuel and oxygen efficiently, and producing maximum heat and smoke. Once the fuel sources begin to be depleted and the fire runs out of material to sustain itself, it transitions into the decay stage.

During the decay stage, the intensity of the fire starts to decrease. This is characterized by a reduction in flame size, lower heat output, and an increase in the production of smoke. Essentially, the fire becomes less aggressive as it exhausts its fuel supply, leading to a natural decline in fire activity. Understanding this transition is crucial for effective firefighting strategies, allowing firefighters to anticipate changes in fire behavior and adjust their tactics accordingly.

The other stages listed, such as flashover, growth stage, and ignition stage, represent earlier points in fire development and are not applicable to the phase following the fully developed stage.