During this phase of fire the oxygen level is below 15%, active burning is almost nonexistent, and backdraft is possible.

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Multiple Choice

During this phase of fire the oxygen level is below 15%, active burning is almost nonexistent, and backdraft is possible.

Explanation:
Smoldering is the phase where flames are nearly extinguished and burning occurs flamelessly. In this stage, heat drives the slow decomposition of remaining fuel and hot, unburned gases continue to accumulate in a ventilation-limited space. Oxygen can drop below about 15%, so active burning with bright flames is minimal. Despite the lack of flames, the fire still holds danger because those hot gases and gases from incomplete combustion can ignite rapidly if fresh air is introduced, creating a backdraft. This distinguishes it from incipient (ignition and flame growth), the fully developed fire stage (intense flaming combustion), and from non-fire terms like parapet wall.

Smoldering is the phase where flames are nearly extinguished and burning occurs flamelessly. In this stage, heat drives the slow decomposition of remaining fuel and hot, unburned gases continue to accumulate in a ventilation-limited space. Oxygen can drop below about 15%, so active burning with bright flames is minimal. Despite the lack of flames, the fire still holds danger because those hot gases and gases from incomplete combustion can ignite rapidly if fresh air is introduced, creating a backdraft. This distinguishes it from incipient (ignition and flame growth), the fully developed fire stage (intense flaming combustion), and from non-fire terms like parapet wall.

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