During which phase does the temperature of a fire begin to drop?

The phase during which the temperature of a fire begins to drop is the decay phase. This phase occurs after a fire has reached its peak intensity and begins to diminish due to a reduction in fuel or available oxygen. As the fire burns through its available fuel sources and oxygen levels decrease, the combustion process slows down, leading to a decrease in temperature.

In this stage, the fire may also produce less heat and light, and firefighters typically begin to introduce tactics to suppress and extinguish the fire effectively. Recognizing this phase is critical for fire response, as it indicates that the fire is transitioning toward being out, allowing for targeted actions to ensure total extinguishment and to avoid rekindling. Understanding this phase helps firefighters anticipate changes in fire behavior and strategize effectively for safety and control.