What characterizes a ventilation-controlled fire?

A ventilation-controlled fire is characterized by the relationship between the available oxygen and the fire's heat release rate. In such a fire, the heat produced depends directly on the amount of air that is supplied to it. This means that as more air (oxygen) becomes available, the fire can grow larger and burn more intensely, due to the increased supply of fuel for the combustion process.

This classification highlights the critical role of ventilation in influencing fire behavior. When oxygen levels are limited, the fire can become restricted in its growth. Therefore, any measures to alter ventilation, such as opening or closing doors or windows, can drastically change the dynamics of the fire, impacting its intensity and growth rate.

Other options describe conditions that do not align with the concept of a ventilation-controlled fire. For instance, one option mentions a fire growing independently of air supply, which contradicts the fundamental principle that ventilation directly impacts fire growth. Similarly, stating that a fire can be completely extinguished by cutting off ventilation simplifies the complexity of fire dynamics, where other factors also play significant roles. The notion of a fire fueled solely by solid materials represents a limitation that does not encapsulate the characteristics pertinent to ventilation control.