backdraft
Firefighting term explaining dangerous combustion phenomenon
An explosive surge in a fire produced by the sudden mixing of air with other combustible gases. This is caused by a condition in a fire where oxygen is depleted and the fire dies down until a door is opened and the fire flares violently from the sudden intake of oxygen. Backdraft can be described as a small explosion.
The most common tactic used by firefighters in defusing a potential backdraft is to ventilate from the highest point, allowing the heat and smoke to escape without igniting explosively.
Also in the dictionary
- backdraft in industrial safety