Stages of Fire:

Most fires develop in four distinct stages as under:

>

Incipient Stage:
No visible smoke, flame or significant heat is developed but a significant
amount of combustion particles are generated over a period of time. These
particles are created by chemical decomposition and have weight and mass
but are invisible by human eyes.

> Smoldering Stage,

As fire development continues the quantity of combustion particles increases
to the point where they become visible. This is called 'smoke'. There is still no
flame or significant heat developed.
> Flame Stage:
As the fire develops further, the point of ignition occurs and flames starts. The
level of visible smoke decreases and heat level increases.
> Heat Stage: At the point, large amount of heat, flame, smokes and toxic gases
are produced. This stage develops quickly, usually in seconds.