What process is defined as releasing combustion products trapped within a vessel?

The process defined as releasing combustion products trapped within a vessel is ventilation. In firefighting, ventilation is a critical practice used to manage the heat, smoke, and gases produced by a fire. By creating openings in a structure, firefighters can allow these combustion products to escape, which helps to improve visibility, reduce heat levels, and ultimately contribute to the safety and effectiveness of firefighting operations.

When ventilation is conducted properly, it can significantly reduce the risk of backdrafts and flashover conditions that can arise when trapped gases ignite. This process also helps in making it safer for firefighters to enter a space and carry out necessary actions such as extinguishing the fire or performing rescues.

Other terms, while related to fire and safety scenarios, do not specifically describe the action of releasing combustion products. For example, extinguishing refers to the act of putting out a fire, evacuation involves removing people from danger, and decompression typically relates to pressure changes rather than smoke and gas management in a fire scenario. Thus, ventilation is the appropriate term for the release of combustion byproducts.