The risk of a new fire remains even if only a small percentage of the original fire remains smoldering. How small a percentage?

The statement highlights the persistent risk of rekindling, even if only a minimal amount of the original fire is still active. When dealing with smoldering materials, it's essential to recognize that even a small percentage remaining, such as 1%, can harbor enough heat and potential fuel to reignite a fire under favorable conditions.

Materials that are smoldering can produce combustible gases or embers that can easily ignite surrounding flammable materials. Thus, even when it appears that only a trace of the fire remains, this represents a significant hazard, especially in a firefighting context where safety is paramount.

Preventing a rekindling incident is a crucial part of fire suppression operations, and firefighters are trained to ensure that all evidence of heat and fire is addressed, regardless of how minimal it may appear. This understanding reinforces the principle that vigilance is essential in fire control and suppression efforts.