What is the defining feature of the fully developed stage of a fire?

The defining feature of the fully developed stage of a fire is maximum fuel consumption. At this stage, the fire has reached its peak intensity, and it consumes the available fuel at an accelerated rate. This means that the fire is fully established, and the combustion process is occurring at its highest efficiency. The heat generated is sufficient to sustain the fire, leading to rapid burning of materials, and this is when the fire can produce the most heat and byproducts, such as smoke and gases.

In comparison, during the initial stages of a fire, there is an ignition process where the flames begin to emerge, and in the growth stage, the fire is still developing. As the fire progresses, it will eventually start to spread, but until it reaches the fully developed stage, it may not be consuming fuel at its maximum capacity. Additionally, while oxygen supply does begin to decrease as a fire burns, the defining characteristic of the fully developed stage primarily focuses on the fire’s relationship with its fuel, indicating the extent of combustion occurring at that point.