Which stage comes after Fully Developed and indicates the fire is winding down due to fuel and/or oxygen depletion?

• A. Incipient Stage
• B. Growth Stage
• C. Decay Stage
• D. Fully Developed

Answer: (C)

After a fire reaches its fully developed stage, the burning begins to slow as the remaining fuel or available oxygen becomes exhausted. This turning point is the decay stage, where the fire intensity drops, flames may shrink or stay confined to pockets, and smoke can persist from smoldering flames. The situation can linger or lead to reignition if more fuel or oxygen becomes available, but the defining feature is the diminishing energy release due to depletion of fuel and/or oxygen. This contrasts with the earlier stages, where the fire is growing and at its peak, and with the initial incipient phase, where ignition is just starting.