Which fire stage signifies the point where the fire is consuming the maximum fuel possible?

The Fully Developed Stage is characterized by the fire reaching its peak intensity and consuming the maximum amount of fuel available. During this stage, the fire has spread throughout the available combustible materials, and it is fully involved, resulting in high heat release rates. This is the phase where the fire has transitioned beyond its initial growth and the reactions taking place are at their most vigorous, producing significant heat and smoke.

In contrast, the Decay Stage occurs after the Fully Developed Stage, when the available fuel starts to diminish, leading to a reduction in fire intensity. The Growth Stage is the period where the fire is beginning to spread and increase in size, but it has not yet reached its peak environmental response. The Incipient Stage is the initial stage of a fire's development, where the fire is just beginning to start and is at its smallest size. Understanding these different fire stages helps firefighters assess the situation and determine the appropriate response strategies.