Which of the following describes the decay stage of fire development?

The decay stage of fire development is characterized by the fire beginning to die down and consuming the available fuel. During this stage, the flames have already peaked and start to diminish as the materials that were ignited begin to burn away. The intensity of the fire decreases, leading to a reduction in heat and smoke production. This phase can often be identified by glowing embers rather than active flames, as the combustion process enters a later phase where oxygen availability is reduced and, consequently, the fire's ability to sustain itself weakens. Understanding this progression is crucial for firefighters as it informs strategies for extinguishment and safety, particularly regarding the management of ventilation and the dangers of reignition.