What stage of fire development describes the maximum consumption of available fuel?

The fully developed stage of fire development is characterized by the maximum consumption of available fuel. At this point, the fire has reached an intensity where it has spread throughout the area where fuel is present. All available combustible materials are being consumed at a high rate, which means the fire is producing a significant amount of heat and flame. This stage represents a critical phase in fire behavior where the conditions are extreme and hazardous, making it essential for fire responders to operate with caution and strategic planning.

In earlier stages, such as the initial and growth stages, the fire has not yet consumed all available fuel, and the intensity is not at its peak. During the decay stage, the fire begins to run out of fuel and starts to diminish, indicating that the consumption of fuel is decreasing rather than maximizing. Therefore, the fully developed stage is distinct in that it indicates the fire's relentless consumption of all available fuel sources, contributing to its most dangerous characteristics.