During which stage of fire development is the fire more dependent on the environment?

The growth stage is characterized by a fire that expands and requires more oxygen and fuel, thereby becoming increasingly influenced by its surrounding environment. At this point, the fire begins to consume more combustible materials and can react strongly to factors such as ventilation, temperature, and the availability of fuel.

During the growth stage, the fire can transition quickly due to environmental conditions, such as the presence of wind, which can increase oxygen supply and drastically change the fire's behavior. Additionally, if flammable materials are nearby, the fire can spread more rapidly. This dependence on the environment means that firefighters must closely monitor conditions and adapt their strategies to the evolving situation.

In contrast, the incipient stage is primarily when the fire is newly ignited and is not yet significantly influenced by external factors; it remains relatively small. The fully developed stage sees the fire reaching its peak intensity and can become less influenced by the environment in terms of spreading, as it is already at a critical stage. During the decay stage, the fire is dwindling as the fuel is consumed, and its dependence on environmental factors decreases even further. Thus, the growth stage is the stage where environmental factors play the most critical role in the fire's development.