noun. An extreme fire behavior phenomena involving ignition of products of combustion (such as carbon monoxide) and pyrolysis products upon introduction of oxygen to a compartment. In this phenomena the fuel generally is at a high temperature (above 600 degrees C), but combustion is limited by a lack of oxygen. Introduction of atmospheric oxygen results in explosive combustion.

"When a fire is starved for air, an explosion - called a backdraft - can occur when a door is opened, he said."