What is the primary difference between flashover and rollover?

The primary distinction between flashover and rollover centers on the intensity and characteristics of the fire behavior involved. Flashover is a critical fire phenomenon where all combustible materials in a room reach their ignition temperature almost simultaneously due to the intense heat buildup. This rapid transition results in the entire room becoming engulfed in flames, contributing to a highly dangerous and uncontrollable situation for both occupants and firefighters.

When considering the other aspects related to this topic, it is noted that while rollover involves the ignition of gases and smoke accumulating near the ceiling, it does not result in the comprehensive combustion of all materials present in the room, as seen in flashover. Rollover is often indicated by flames spreading along the ceilings, representing a more localized ignition process compared to the all-encompassing nature of flashover. Additionally, the notion of slow ignition of materials does not accurately reflect either phenomenon, as both flashover and rollover occur relatively quickly in fire situations. Understanding this distinction is essential for effective fire suppression tactics and safety protocols during a fire incident.