How does a fire in a large compartment develop compared to a fire in a small compartment?

A fire in a large compartment develops more slowly than in a small compartment primarily due to the increased volume of air available for combustion and the larger surface area for heat dissipation. In larger spaces, the flames have more room to spread, which allows for more fuel and oxygen to be present, but it can also lead to a slower rate of temperature increase since the heat is distributed over a larger area.

In a small compartment, the confinement and limited space can lead to rapid heating of the air and surfaces, creating a situation where flashover can occur more quickly. Conversely, in a larger area, the heat may be absorbed by more materials and the air may not reach high enough temperatures as rapidly. This means that while the fire can eventually grow larger in a large compartment, it does not escalate as quickly in the initial stages compared to a fire in a smaller, confined space.