What is spontaneous heating?

Prepare for the NFPA 921 Fire and Explosion Investigations Test. Use multiple choice questions and flashcards, each with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Spontaneous heating refers to the phenomenon where a material increases in temperature due to internal chemical reactions or biological processes, without any external source of ignition. This gradual rise in temperature can eventually lead to combustion if the material reaches its ignition temperature.

In the context of fire and explosion investigations, understanding spontaneous heating is crucial because many materials, such as oily rags, compost piles, or certain chemical mixtures, can undergo self-heating over time. This characteristic makes them potentially hazardous as they can ignite without an external flame or spark. Recognizing this process helps investigators determine the cause of a fire and assess materials involved in the combustion.

The other options discuss different aspects of combustion and ignition sources but do not accurately define spontaneous heating. An external heat source and immediate combustion represent entirely different ignition dynamics. Understanding these distinctions is essential for correctly identifying the factors that contribute to fire development and behavior.

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