Smoldering combustion is the slow, low temperature, flameless burning of porous fuels and is the most persistent type of combustion phenomena. ... Smoldering is also the dominant combustion phenomena in megafires in natural deposits of peat and coal which are the largest and longest burning fires on Eartht.

What does smoldering fire mean?

1 : to burn slowly usually with smoke and without flame A fire was smoldering in the grate.

How do smoldering fires start?

Slow-smoldering fires

Slow-starting smoldering fires most often occur when smoking materials, such as cigarettes, are left unattended. These fires produce a large amount of thick smoke, which can contain toxic chemicals like carbon monoxide and cyanide.