What occurs during a flashover?

During a flashover, flames engulf an entire space suddenly, representing a rapid and dangerous transition in the fire's development. This phenomenon occurs when the materials in a room reach their ignition temperature almost simultaneously due to accumulated heat, causing combustion to spread throughout the room.

Flashover is a critical phase in fire dynamics, as it significantly increases the intensity of the fire and poses a severe threat to life and safety. Occupants within the affected area are at high risk during this event, and firefighters must be aware of the potential for flashover when assessing fire conditions. Recognizing the signs that flashover is imminent can be vital for both safety and tactical decision-making in firefighting operations.

In contrast, the other options describe scenarios that either do not accurately depict the nature of a flashover or present events that occur separately from it. Understanding flashover is crucial for effective fire safety management in high-rise buildings and other environments where fire risk is a concern.