backdraught
Fire's deadly breath
Backdraught is a dangerous phenomenon in firefighting where a fire starved of oxygen suddenly reignites explosively when fresh air enters—through an opened door or broken window.
The inrush of oxygen causes accumulated combustible gases to ignite at once: The firefighters checked for signs of backdraught before breaching the door.
Also spelled backdraft, especially in American English.
Sudden total combustion event
- ignitionStarting combustion process
- combustionExothermic reaction with oxygen
- fireballLuminous meteor or explosion
- overpressurePressure exceeding ambient levels
Occurring without prior notice
- violentInvolving physical force
- explosiveProne to sudden detonation
- unpredictableCannot be anticipated
- devastatingCausing severe damage
catastrophic · deadly · rapid · intense · split-second · trigger · eruption
Death from oxygen loss
- burnsHeat-caused tissue damage
- fatalityDeath from accident
- disorientationLoss of spatial awareness
- entrapmentDefense against induced criminality
flashover
Sudden total combustion event
- ignitionStarting combustion process
- combustionExothermic reaction with oxygen
- fireballLuminous meteor or explosion
sudden
Occurring without prior notice
- violentInvolving physical force
- explosiveProne to sudden detonation
- unpredictableCannot be anticipated
devastating · catastrophic · deadly · rapid · intense · split-second · trigger · eruption
asphyxiation
Death from oxygen loss
- burnsHeat-caused tissue damage
- fatalityDeath from accident
- disorientationLoss of spatial awareness
fire-suppression
Putting out active flames
- size-upRapid informal assessment
- PPEHazard-shielding work attire
- SCBASelf-contained breathing apparatus
hazmat · overhaul · fireground
backdraughtupdraft
Upward air movement
updraught · outflow · chimney draft · natural ventilation · downdraft
backdraughtslow burn
Gradual buildup of rage
smoldering · controlled burn · surface fire · natural ventilation · fire suppression
back, draft, backward, draught, draughty, backdraft, draughtsman