What is the comparative effect upon oxygen between a raging fire and a smoldering fire?

In the context of fire behavior, a raging fire burns more intensely due to a combination of greater fuel availability, higher temperatures, and increased airflow. This intensity leads to a more rapid consumption of oxygen as the combustion reaction occurs at an accelerated rate. The process of combustion produces heat, light, and gases while consuming oxygen from the surrounding environment.

In contrast, a smoldering fire burns at a much lower temperature and relies primarily on carbon-based fuels, often producing smoke and carbon monoxide instead of flames. The rate of oxygen consumption in such cases is significantly slower because the smoldering combustion process does not require as much oxygen to sustain the reaction compared to the vigorous, complete combustion seen in a raging fire.

Thus, the oxygen in the atmosphere will be depleted much faster in the presence of a raging fire compared to a smoldering one. This understanding highlights the fundamental differences in the combustion dynamics of these two types of fires.