What is the explosion caused by a quick influx of oxygen called?

The term that describes an explosion resulting from a rapid influx of oxygen is known as a backdraft. This phenomenon occurs in a confined space, such as a building, where fire is burning low on oxygen. When a door or window is opened, fresh oxygen is introduced quickly to the combustion process. The existing hot gases and unburned fuel present can suddenly ignite, resulting in a violent explosion.

In the context of fire dynamics, understanding a backdraft is crucial for fire inspectors and firefighters. Recognizing the signs of a potential backdraft, such as smoke that is thick, volumetric, and possibly banked down near the ceiling, is essential for safety during fire suppression operations.

The other options represent different fire phenomena. Flashover, for instance, refers to the rapid spread of fire throughout an enclosed space as combustible materials reach their ignition temperature almost simultaneously. A heat vent is not a recognized fire term connected to an explosion scenario. A burning brand generally refers to a burning piece of material that can ignite other combustible materials when in contact but does not describe an explosive reaction related to oxygen influx.