In which phase is the fuel finally consumed by flames during combustion?

The combustion phase is the stage during the fire where the fuel is actively consumed by flames. At this point, the combustion process is fully underway, characterized by sustained heat release, visible flames, and the transformation of the fuel into combustion products, typically gases, heat, and light. This phase follows the ignition phase, where the heat source has successfully initiated combustion, leading to the observable reaction of burning.

During the combustion phase, the chemical reactions between the fuel and the oxidant (usually oxygen in the air) occur rapidly, producing energy in the form of heat and light while converting the solid or liquid fuel into gaseous byproducts. This is the point where the fire’s behavior can be assessed more directly by an investigator, as the flames indicate ongoing combustion.

Understanding the different phases of fire development helps fire investigators determine the dynamics of a fire, how it spread, and the potential causes, all crucial for accurate analysis and reporting.