In firefighting, what does the term 'pyrolysis' refer to?

The term 'pyrolysis' refers specifically to the decomposition of material due to heat, which means that when organic materials are exposed to high temperatures, they break down chemically without necessarily burning. This process occurs in the absence of oxygen, and it results in the formation of flammable gases, char, and other byproducts. Understanding pyrolysis is crucial in firefighting because it highlights the stages of fire development, particularly in how combustible materials can create flammable vapors even before they ignite, which is a significant factor in fire behavior and spread. Effective firefighting strategies must consider pyrolysis when evaluating potential fire hazards and determining how to suppress a fire effectively.