What is the term for a fire that was thought to be extinguished but reignites after firefighters leave?

The term that accurately describes a fire that was believed to be extinguished but then reignites after firefighters have left the scene is "rekindle." This phenomenon can occur when there are still smoldering materials or hot spots that did not get fully extinguished. When conditions are right—such as the presence of sufficient oxygen or flammable materials—these smoldering areas can reignite, creating a situation where the fire flares up again.

Understanding this term is crucial for firefighters as it highlights the importance of thorough monitoring and ensuring that every part of the fire area has been fully extinguished before leaving. Recognizing the possibility of rekindling can lead to more rigorous follow-up actions and inspections to prevent a potentially dangerous situation from escalating.

Other terms provided may have their own specific meanings within fire behavior or incident response, but they do not specifically denote the re-ignition of a previously extinguished fire in the same context as "rekindle."