What stage of a fire is characterized by decreased temperatures and less intensity due to the consumption of available fuel?

The stage of a fire characterized by decreased temperatures and less intensity due to the consumption of available fuel is the decay stage. During this phase, the fire has burned through most of its available fuel and begins to diminish as the intensity decreases. The oxygen in the environment may also be less than what is needed to sustain the fire at prior levels, contributing to the reduced heat and flames.

In the context of fire dynamics, understanding the decay stage is crucial for effective firefighting strategies and safety planning. Recognizing that the fire is losing its intensity can be critical for determining resource allocation and re-evaluating tactics. This stage can still be dangerous as hot spots may remain, and flare-ups can occur if fuel sources become available again.

The other options represent different stages where the fire is either starting, growing in intensity, or nearing the point of complete extinguishment, but only the decay stage specifically refers to the decline due to the depletion of available fuel.