What do you call a fire that has already ignited all the exposed surfaces and is fully developed?

A fire that has ignited all exposed surfaces and is fully developed is referred to as a fully developed fire. This stage is characterized by the maximum amount of fuel being consumed in the combustion process, resulting in a significant release of heat and smoke. At this point, the fire is well-established, meaning there are no delayed ignition phases or stages where only some surfaces are burning.

During a fully developed fire, the temperature can reach extreme levels, making firefighting operations more challenging and dangerous due to potential backdrafts, the presence of toxic gases, and reduced visibility. Understanding this stage is crucial for firefighters, as it prepares them for tactical decisions regarding search and rescue, exposure protection, and extinguishment strategies.

In contrast, the other terms describe different stages of fire development. An incipient fire refers to the initial stage where combustion has just started, while a flashover represents a specific event during which all combustible surfaces in a room ignite almost simultaneously, leading to a rapid transition to a fully developed fire. The growth stage is the phase where the fire is actively spreading but has not yet reached full development.