What is the final stage in the fire growth sequence?

The final stage in the fire growth sequence is decay, which occurs after a fire has reached its fully developed stage and is beginning to decrease in intensity. During the decay phase, the available fuel becomes limited, and as a result, the fire starts to lose heat and intensity. This stage is characterized by a reduction in flames and smoke production, indicating that the fire is consuming the remaining fuels at a slower rate.

Understanding fire dynamics is crucial for fire investigators as it helps in assessing the progression of a fire, determining survival patterns, and analyzing the fire's behavior. Recognizing the decay stage can also aid in post-fire investigations, allowing investigators to identify patterns and draw conclusions about the fire's cause and origin.

While ignition refers to the initial point where combustion begins, and flashover marks a rapid transition to a fully developed phase with intense heat and flames, and the fully developed stage represents the peak of fire intensity, these stages precede the decay phase. Therefore, knowing the sequence and characteristics of each stage helps clarify why decay is identified as the culmination of the fire growth process.