Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)

In well-ventilated flaming fires, the combustion process is efficient due to sufficient oxygen supply. During this efficient combustion, carbon present in the combustibles reacts with oxygen, leading to the formation of carbon dioxide. This process is predominantly exothermic, releasing energy in the form of heat and light. Carbon dioxide is the primary product of complete combustion, where there is enough oxygen available to ensure that all carbon is fully oxidized. In contrast, under conditions of limited oxygen, incomplete combustion can occur, resulting in the production of carbon monoxide, a less oxidized form of carbon. Methane and hydrogen are not typical products in significant amounts from the combustion of typical organic materials in a flaming fire scenario. Therefore, the conversion of carbon from combustibles in well-ventilated flaming fires to carbon dioxide highlights the efficiency of the combustion process when adequate oxygen is present, confirming that carbon dioxide is the major gaseous product resulting from this reaction.