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Flashover Flashover is a temperature-induced phenomenon that occurs in the early stage of fire development. As the fire develops, individual items in the room will burst into flames when the temperature reaches 650 degrees Celsius or above. The transformation from flames reaching the ceiling at one end of a room to a rapid, almost simultaneous ignition of all flammable items is termed as flashover.

Backdraught (Backdraft)

Backdraught occurs in the later stage of a fire. When the fire burns in a condition of limited ventilation, especially when it has been smoldering for a long time, flammable gaseous products will accumulate.

These products do not necessarily ignite, in particular if there is insufficient oxygen present. However, when air is induced into the room, it is possible under certain circumstances for the flammable products to ignite in a fierce condition known as backdraught.