What scenario might lead to a fire entering a fuel-limited decay stage?

A fire can enter a fuel-limited decay stage when there is a severe moderation or depletion of available fuel to sustain combustion. In the scenario where a compartment has failed and burned to the ground, it implies that the majority of the readily available fuel has been consumed. At this point, without sufficient fuel, the fire cannot sustain itself and will start to diminish.

In a sealed compartment, while ventilation is limited, there may still be adequate fuel available for combustion, preventing the fire from entering the decay stage. A fully ventilated compartment typically allows for an influx of oxygen, which might intensify rather than diminish the fire. In a compartment with excessive fuel, the fire is still capable of sustaining itself and vigorously growing, rather than entering a decay stage.

Thus, the condition of a compartment having burned to the ground precisely aligns with the transfer of the fire into a decay stage, due to the significant reduction of combustible materials.