Q&A · 1:42:36-1:43:04

What happens when a compartment is reopened after starving a fire of oxygen?

A fire starved of oxygen can flare again when a still-hot compartment is opened.

Question

What happens when a compartment is reopened after starving a fire of oxygen?

Short answer

Air entering a still-hot compartment can cause renewed flames and a flash burn, even if no flame was visible before the door opened.

Notes

Closing a compartment can deprive a fire of oxygen. The remaining heat still matters when the door is reopened. Fresh air can produce renewed flames even if the fire appeared to have gone out. A flash burn can then pass through the opening.