Which term describes the process taking place during the smoldering phase of fire development?

During the smoldering phase of fire development, the primary characteristic is that glowing combustion dominates. This phase occurs after the initial ignition and before the transition to open flame combustion. In smoldering combustion, a material burns slowly and without flame, primarily producing heat and glowing embers. This phenomenon is largely due to the limited availability of oxygen, which prevents the rapid reactions associated with flaming combustion. Instead, the combustion process is characterized by a slower, more controlled release of energy, often seen in solid fuels like coal, charcoal, or wood that have reached a point where they can sustain a smoldering state.

The other options do not accurately describe the smoldering phase. For instance, oxygen is scarce during smoldering combustion, leading to lower combustion efficiency compared to flaming combustion, which relies on ample oxygen. Similarly, fuel temperatures have typically increased during smoldering, as heat has built up over time, and carbon dioxide levels actually tend to rise due to the incomplete combustion occurring in this phase.