What temperature can be reached at the highest point in the room during the free-burning phase?

During the free-burning phase of a fire, the temperature in the highest point of the room can reach significant levels due to the intense heat generated by the rapidly consuming materials. At this stage, the fire is characterized by the flames spreading freely, leading to maximum heat release.

The phenomenon of fire rising to the ceiling is due to the principle of convection, where hot air ascends, creating extremely high temperatures in the upper layers of the space. While the temperatures can vary based on various factors, such as room size, ventilation, and materials burning, reaching around 1,300°F is consistent with data observed in many fire dynamics studies.

This temperature reflects the upper limit typically seen in residential or compartmented fires before smoldering or other phases take over, indicating a critical stage where firefighters must be particularly cautious and aware of thermal conditions. Understanding this limit is crucial for effective fire suppression and safety measures, as temperatures beyond this point present a significant risk of flashover and other dangerous fire behaviors.