At what temperature does pyrolysis of wood occur?

The correct answer is that pyrolysis of wood typically begins to occur around 392 degrees Fahrenheit. Pyrolysis is a thermal decomposition process that happens when organic materials, like wood, are subjected to high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. At this temperature range, the wood starts to break down chemically, leading to the release of gases, charcoal, and other volatile substances.

Understanding this temperature is critical for fire service personnel, as it helps in assessing the behavior of materials in fire situations. Recognizing the pyrolysis threshold allows firefighters to predict how wood-based materials might combust and informs strategies for fire suppression and control. The other temperature options, while close, represent temperatures above the initiation point of pyrolysis and do not accurately indicate when this important chemical change begins in wood.