Fire Growth Theory

Fire Growth Theory describes how a fire develops and spreads over time. It considers factors like fuel availability, oxygen, and temperature, explaining the stages from ignition to fully developed fire. Early, small fires may be easy to control, but if conditions favor rapid growth—such as abundant fuel and oxygen—the fire can escalate quickly, becoming more intense and harder to contain. Understanding this theory helps firefighters predict fire behavior, plan effective responses, and implement safety measures to prevent and suppress large, destructive fires.