7.4.5 Fire growth
The rate at which a fi re grows will depend upon numerous
factors and it should be noted that a single factor
on its own may not promote fi re growth but interreacting
factors may develop a fi re more rapidly. A rapid growth
rate will have an effect upon areas such as the stability
of the building and the effectiveness of the emergency
plan to ensure that people can leave the building safely.
The fi re growth rate is generally recognised as the
rate at which it is estimated that a fi re will grow; this
includes spread of fl ame over surfaces and behind
linings, and within any part of the contents. Fire growth
rates may be categorised in accordance with Table 7.2.
Factors that may affect the growth rate include the:
➤ Construction and layout of the building
➤ Ventilation into, throughout and out of the building
➤ Use of the building (including the types of activity
being undertaken)
➤ Fire loading within the building.