What does the term "rekindle" refer to in the context of fire incidents?

The term "rekindle" in the context of fire incidents specifically refers to the return of flaming combustion after it was previously extinguished. This phenomenon occurs when smoldering materials—such as embers or hot ashes—reach a temperature that is sufficient to reignite, often due to factors like increased oxygen exposure or the presence of combustible materials that are still around. Understanding this term is crucial for firefighters and incident commanders, as it highlights the need for thorough mopping up and monitoring after a fire is deemed extinguished to ensure that re-ignition does not occur.

In contrast, the initial ignition of a blaze pertains to the starting point of a fire, which is not relevant to the concept of rekindling. The spread of fire to new areas involves the uncontrolled movement of flames, which is distinct from the situation where a fire has been put out but can reignite. Similarly, the cooling of embers after extinguishment could potentially refer to a lost opportunity to prevent rekindling, but it does not encapsulate the action of a fire resuming flaming combustion, which is the essence of rekindling.