In what stage will the visible flames diminish while the fire continues to produce smoke?

The smoldering stage is characterized by a significant reduction in visible flames, while the fire still produces smoke. This stage occurs after the fire has burned through its primary fuel and transitions into a phase where combustion continues in a low-oxygen environment. Although flames may not be visible, the fire can still be active, generating smoke and potentially harmful gases.

During this stage, materials can continue to burn in a way that is not obvious; they may produce heat and smoke without the presence of flames, making it particularly dangerous. It is essential for anyone monitoring a fire situation to recognize that smoke production can indicate ongoing combustion, even when flames are not present, emphasizing the importance of accurate smoke detection and fire safety protocols in environments such as homeless shelters.