In which stage of the burning process do smoke explosions occur?

Smoke explosions are more likely to occur during the explosive growth stage of the fire development process. This stage is characterized by rapid fire spread and the accumulation of combustible gases and smoke within a confined space. As the temperature rises, smoke and gases can become superheated and reach their flashpoint, leading to an explosion if ignited.

During the ignition (incipient) stage, the fire is just starting, and the conditions for a smoke explosion are not yet present. The decay stage typically involves a reduction in heat and available fuel, which decreases the likelihood of sudden explosion events. In the fully developed stage, fire conditions are stable, and while violent reactions can occur, they are less likely to resemble the phenomenon of smoke explosions seen during the explosive growth stage.