What is the critical threshold temperature that can lead to flashover?

Flashover is a rapid engulfing of a room or space in flames caused by the ignition of combustibles within that space. This phenomenon typically occurs when the temperature reaches around 1,400°F. At this critical threshold, the significant rise in temperature causes items in the room, whether they are furniture, curtains, or other flammable materials, to ignite almost simultaneously due to the radiant heat.

Understanding the flashover temperature is crucial for firefighters, as it informs them of the dangers of high heat and the need for proper ventilation and strategies to combat such rapid fire spread. Maintaining awareness of this temperature helps in making vital decisions during firefighting operations, including whether to enter a structure or to apply specific firefighting tactics to prevent this dangerous situation.