a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction

Catastrophic fire behavior, rapid spread, mass ignition of large areas.

A dangerously rapid increase in fire spread.

Sudden increase in fireline intensity or rate of spread of a fire sufficient to preclude direct control or to upset existing suppression plans. Often accompanied by violent convection and may have other characteristics of a fire storm.

Sudden increase in fire line intensity sufficient to preclude direct control or to upset existing suppression plans. Often accompanied by violent convection and may have other characteristics of a firestorm.

A somewhat sudden, and sometimes unexpected, major increase in rate of spread and frontal fire intensity sufficient to upset overall fire suppression action or plans. Blowups can result from small or large fire situations. Note Flareup.

Slang term used to describe the unexpected fast setting of concrete that does not allow proper finishing. See set.