What is the rapid transition from the growth stage to the fully developed stage called?

The rapid transition from the growth stage to the fully developed stage of a fire is known as flashover. This phenomenon occurs when the temperature in the environment rises to the point where combustible materials in the room can spontaneously ignite due to radiant heat, causing all the combustible surfaces to ignite almost simultaneously. This marks a critical change in the fire dynamics, where a fire becomes significantly more dangerous and difficult to control, as it transitions to a state where it can consume the entire space almost instantaneously.

Flashover typically occurs in a closed environment where heat buildup is substantial, usually within a few minutes of ignition. Understanding this process is vital for fire officers and firefighters because it emphasizes the importance of situational awareness and the strategies needed to prevent a fire from reaching this stage, which can pose extreme risks to life and safety.