What is the impact of combustible materials in a building during the growth stage of a fire?

During the growth stage of a fire, the presence of combustible materials significantly fuels the fire and increases its intensity. Combustible materials, such as wood, paper, and different kinds of furnishings, readily ignite and burn, allowing the fire to spread more rapidly. As these materials catch fire, they release additional heat and gases, further supporting combustion and intensifying the fire's behavior. This increase in heat and energy can lead to more rapid fire development and can contribute to a dangerous escalation of the situation, potentially resulting in flashover, where the entire room or area can ignite almost simultaneously.

The growth stage is critical because any combustible materials present can serve as additional fuel sources, exacerbating the initial fire and making response efforts more challenging. Understanding this dynamic is important for fire safety strategies, evacuation plans, and effective firefighting tactics.