Stages of a fire

Stages of a fire. This short video is part of the Echo3 online Fire Awareness course. Full details available here - echo-3.co.uk/online-course/fi...
Stages of a fire
As a fire progresses it passes through four stages.
1. Ignition stage
The initial stage of a fire is usually associated with a small fire and small amounts of smoke. Recognising a fire at this stage provides the best opportunity of extinguishing the fire or escaping safely.
2. Growth stage
This is where the fire moves from its point of origin and starts to involve other combustibles. The growth stage can be extremely rapid depending on factors like, the combustibles that are nearby, the ceiling height and if there are open windows nearby. A fire in the growth stage is more difficult to stop. If you spot a fire at this stage raise the alarm and leave the vicinity immediately.
3. Fully developed
This is the hottest and most dangerous stage. It occurs when the growth stage has reached maximum ferocity.
4. Decay
Often the longest stage, this is when the fuel or oxygen is used up. Never enter an area where there has been a fire until you have been given the all clear.