Certified Fire Investigator Practice Exam

What does "Flameover" describe in fire behavior?

1. The initial ignition of a fire

2. A delay in the spread of fire

3. An accumulation of unburned fuel that ignites

4. The extinguishing of a fire

The correct answer is: An accumulation of unburned fuel that ignites

Flameover describes the phenomenon where unburned fuel accumulates in a space and subsequently ignites, resulting in a rapid spread of fire. This usually occurs when heated gases rise and collect, becoming concentrated and eventually reaching sufficient temperatures to ignite the accumulated fuel. Flameover is significant because it can present a sudden and severe hazard to firefighters and can dramatically change the dynamics of a fire, leading to increased flames and potential flashover conditions. Understanding flameover is crucial for fire behavior analysis and safety protocols, as recognizing the signs of unburned fuel accumulation can help in making informed decisions during firefighting operations. The other options do not capture the essence of flameover; they describe different stages or conditions associated with fire but lack the specific context of the rapid ignition of accumulated unburned fuel.