Final answer:
The second phase of an active fire's ecological impact is known as secondary succession, where new plant life begins to emerge amongst the remnants of the fire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The second phase of an active fire in an ecological context is referred to as secondary succession. This phase follows the initial destruction caused by the fire. During secondary succession, the ecosystem begins to recover, and new plants start sprouting among the charred logs and debris. This process can be evident as early as two months after a forest fire, marking the beginnings of environmental recovery and the establishment of new plant life. Secondary succession is an essential component of an ecosystem's resilience and capacity for recovery after disturbances like fires.