What is the first phase of fire progression called?

The initial phase of fire progression is known as the incipient stage. This stage is characterized by the beginning of combustion, where materials begin to ignite, but the fire is still small and localized. During this phase, the fire has not yet produced significant heat or smoke, and it can often be extinguished with minimal effort if detected early. Understanding the incipient phase is crucial for firefighters, as it is the stage when intervention can often prevent the fire from growing to a more dangerous level. Identifying this phase allows firefighters and first responders to take prompt action and employ tactics that can effectively suppress the fire before it evolves into a more perilous situation.