Flare up
Flashover generally refers to the moment in a fire when all exposed surfaces in a space simultaneously reach ignition temperature. This marks a critical phase between the initial fire formation and full fire spread.
In other words, once a fire reaches the flashover stage, it becomes uncontrollable. This typically occurs when the fire reaches sufficient energy to raise temperatures to around 500-600°C, which, depending on the rate of fire growth, can happen within minutes.
When a fire reaches flashover, it poses a severe threat to building occupants, assets, and stored materials. Strategies to reduce the likelihood of flashover in buildings include fire sprinkler systems and the use of building materials with high fire resistance.
A fire compartment helps contain a fire and prevents it from spreading throughout a building, thereby providing ample time for safe evacuation and significantly reducing potential damage. For ongoing functionality of commercial and residential buildings during emergencies, fire compartments are essential for containing fires. By confining a fire to one section of a building, losses can be minimized, and other parts of the building can remain operational.
Understanding the relationship between fire development and fire performance is key.
Reaction to Fire
Since the amount of energy produced by a building product plays a crucial role in fire growth, fire reaction is highly important in the early stages of a fire.
Flaming
When a fire has enough energy to spread, it can extend to other rooms and sections. At this stage, compartmentalization is crucial.
Fire Resistance
Once a fire reaches the spread stage and is carried by flames, the fire resistance of building elements and containing it becomes vital.
Fire Spread
The type of reaction building materials have to fire and the duration of exposure to fire are essential factors in fire propagation.