What occurs when a room becomes heated to the point that flames engulf the entire space?

When a room is heated to the point that flames engulf the entire space, this phenomenon is known as flashover. Flashover occurs when the heat generated by the burning materials reaches a critical temperature, causing all combustible materials in the room to ignite almost simultaneously. This results in a rapid spread of fire, with flames engulfing the entire room, making it extremely dangerous and difficult to control.

During flashover, the temperature can rise dramatically, often exceeding 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, and can happen as quickly as 30 seconds to a few minutes after a fire starts. This stage signifies a transition from a localized fire to a fully developed fire, which greatly intensifies the situation and poses severe risks to occupants and responding firefighters. Understanding flashover is crucial for fire safety directors, as it helps in formulating emergency response strategies and evacuation plans.