What happens during the fully developed phase of a fire?

During the fully developed phase of a fire, the fire has established itself at its peak intensity and is generating heat from the fuel at maximum efficiency. This phase is characterized by sufficient oxygen supply, allowing the combustion process to reach optimal conditions. The flames are fully engaged, and the fire has consumed most of the available fuel in the immediate area, producing intense heat and large amounts of smoke.

This stage signifies that the fire has transitioned beyond the growth phase, where it gains intensity, to a state where it is now consuming fuel at the highest possible rate, thus emanating the most heat. Understanding this phase is critical for firefighters to assess the fire's behavior and plan their attack strategies effectively.