What is an effect of introducing air to a fire?

Introducing air to a fire can significantly impact its behavior and intensity. When air, which contains oxygen, is introduced to a fire, it increases the available oxygen for combustion. This additional oxygen can result in a more vigorous and intense fire, potentially leading to backdraft conditions. A backdraft occurs when a fire has consumed most of the available oxygen, and smoke and heat build up in a confined space. If air is suddenly introduced into that environment, the rapid influx of oxygen can ignite the accumulated gases and vapors, resulting in an explosive force.

Understanding the nature of fire dynamics, especially the importance of oxygen in the combustion process, highlights why introducing air can change the fire's characteristics, sometimes dangerously. This concept is critical for firefighters to consider when battling a fire to prevent sudden escalations in intensity or the occurrence of dangerous phenomena like backdrafts.