What is the term for the phenomenon when fire spreads very rapidly and other items in the room appear to burst into flames?

Flashover is the term used to describe the phenomenon when fire spreads very rapidly through a room, causing other items that are not in direct contact with the flames to suddenly ignite. This occurs when the temperature in the room reaches a critical point, causing combustible materials to reach their ignition temperature almost simultaneously. The rapid increase in heat and the presence of flammable gases create a scenario where the entire room can become engulfed in flames in a matter of seconds.

This is distinct from other fire-related phenomena. Backdraft, for example, refers to an explosive event that can occur when hot gases and smoke accumulate in an enclosed space and suddenly ignite when fresh air is introduced. Combustion is a broader term that encompasses the chemical process of burning itself, while ignition is simply the initial process of starting to burn. Understanding flashover is crucial for fire safety educators because it highlights the dangers of fire spread in enclosed spaces, emphasizing the importance of proper fire response protocols and prevention strategies.