What phase of fire development occurs when the fire has consumed most available fuel or oxygen and begins to die down?

The decay phase is characterized by a significant reduction in available fuel and oxygen for the fire, leading to a decline in the intensity and heat produced. During this phase, most of the combustible materials have already burned, and the fire can no longer sustain its previous level of activity. As fuel sources diminish, the flames become less vigorous, and the overall temperature of the fire decreases, indicating that the fire is nearing its end.

Understanding the stages of fire development is crucial for fire inspectors, as it helps in assessing the risk and conditions during a fire event, leading to more effective emergency response strategies. The other phases—growth phase, fully developed phase, and incipient phase—represent different stages where the fire is either increasing in intensity or not yet fully established, distinct from the characteristics of the decay phase.