In the decay stage of fire, what typically occurs?

In the decay stage of a fire, the key characteristic is that the fire may continue to smolder due to a limited supply of oxygen. During this stage, the fuel has been significantly consumed, leading to a decrease in the intensity of the flames. However, as long as there are still combustible materials present and some oxygen is available, the fire can maintain a reduced level of activity. This smoldering can occur without flames, which means that while the fire is diminishing, it is not completely extinguished.

The other scenarios described do not accurately depict the decay stage. The extinguishment of the fire does not happen immediately in this stage, as there may still be residual heat and fuel. The fire's intensity is not at its peak; that would occur during the growth stage. Additionally, the growth stage does not begin anew in the decay stage; rather, the process is characterized by a decline in the fire's activity. Thus, the focus on the potential for smoldering due to remaining oxygen and fuel makes this understanding of the decay stage crucial in fire protection techniques.