What are the main types of fire behavior?

Flaming combustion and smoldering combustion are indeed the primary types of fire behavior. Flaming combustion involves the rapid oxidation of a fuel with the presence of visible flames, resulting in significant heat and light production. This type of combustion is generally what people visualize when thinking about fire, as it usually characterizes how fires spread and can quickly affect larger areas.

On the other hand, smoldering combustion occurs when a fuel burns slowly without a significant flame and is often associated with materials that generate smoke but not enough heat to produce visible flames. This form of combustion is crucial in understanding fire behavior as it can lead to re-ignition if conditions change, demonstrating the problem of hidden or latent fires.

Recognizing these two types provides insight into how fires can behave differently based on the conditions present, types of materials involved, and the phase of combustion that is occurring. Such knowledge is essential for firefighting tactics, safety protocols, and understanding fire dynamics in emergencies.