Backdraft
Rapid or explosive burning of superheated gasses in a fire
Summary
A backdraft, backdraught or smoke explosion is the abrupt burning of superheated gases in a fire caused when oxygen rapidly enters a hot, oxygen-depleted environment; for example, when a window or door to an enclosed space is opened or broken. Backdrafts are typically seen as a blast of smoke and/or flame out of an opening of a building. Backdrafts present a serious threat to firefighters. There is some debate concerning whether backdrafts should be considered a type of flashover.
Originally created by Anthony
2/8/2004, 8:19:56 PM
Modified
4/5/2026, 1:35:12 AM
Recent revisions
Updated dead link
/* Burning */
period after sentence
v2.05 - Auto / Fix errors for [[WP:WCW|CW project]] (Link equal to linktext)
Rescuing 0 sources and tagging 1 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5
/* In popular culture */Readded content that lacked source links or other references because: 1. The content about Steven Kings books is also lacking context 2. Please tell me how I am to link to plot devices in a published book without breaking copyright. If you revert this, please give me clear guidelines on what I need to do. Fill out the books wiki page and link to the [[J-Novel Club]] page? (It’s there, but a broken link at the moment)
Reverted unsourced claim about unlinked subject
/* In popular culture */Added content - reference to more popular culture, specifically, published books.
/* Burning */ remove redundant link
/* Backdrafts and flashovers */ copyedit
/* Cause */ copyedit
/* In popular culture */
''backdraft'' is also referenced as ''smoke explosion''
Remove See also section: they are all 'See again'
/* top */ No need to say 'see below': everything in the lead is discussed below
