What Causes a Fire? The Fire Triangle: Fuel, Oxygen, and Heat

Fire requires three components simultaneously (the "fire triangle"):

1. Fuel: Any combustible material (wood, paper, gasoline, gas).
2. Oxygen: ~21% of atmosphere; supports combustion.
3. Heat: Energy to raise fuel to ignition temperature, releasing flammable gases.

Once ignited, a chain reaction sustains the fire until fuel, oxygen, or heat is removed.

Common Ignition Sources

• Accidental: Unattended candles, overloaded circuits, cooking mishaps.
• Intentional: Arson, controlled burns.
• Natural: Lightning, volcanic activity.

Understanding the triangle aids prevention: remove one element, and fire cannot start or spread.