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

Smoke explosions typically occur during the decay stage of the burning process. During this stage, the fire begins to diminish as available fuel is used up and the temperature drops. However, the environment remains hazardous due to the accumulation of unburned combustible gases and smoke. If these gases ignite—often from a spark or a nearby flame—they can lead to a sudden and violent explosion known as a smoke explosion.

This phenomenon is a critical safety concern for firefighters, as conditions can change rapidly and unexpectedly during a fire's decay stage. Understanding this helps firefighters anticipate potential hazards and take necessary precautions when operating in these environments.