The Science of Fire

Fire is a chemical reaction called combustion, where a fuel (like wood or gasoline) reacts with oxygen in the air. This reaction releases energy as heat and light. For fire to start, three elements—heat, fuel, and oxygen—must be present, known as the fire triangle. When these conditions are met, the fuel breaks down, releasing gases that ignite and sustain the flame. Fire produces byproducts such as heat, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and ash. Controlling these elements is key to starting, maintaining, or extinguishing a fire safely.