Flashover is defined as?

Flashover is defined as?

• A. The initial ignition of the fuel.
• B. The stage where smoke becomes visible.
• C. A rapid transition into the fully developed phase of fire development.
• D. The final cooling of the fire.

Answer: (C)

Flashover is the rapid transition into the fully developed phase of fire development. In a compartment fire, heat and hot gases climb toward the ceiling, and as temperatures rise, virtually every available fuel in the space can reach its ignition point almost simultaneously. When this critical point is reached, the fire jumps into a stage where flames and heat involve most of the room’s contents, causing a dramatic surge in heat release and a quick spread of flames. This marks the switch from growth to a fully involved fire, presenting extreme danger to anyone inside or nearby. Indicators include a sudden spike in heat, dense smoke, ceiling-level flames (rollover), and a quick escalation of involvement. It isn’t the initial ignition, nor merely smoke visibility, nor cooling the space.