What are the three elements of fire?

The three elements of fire are heat, fuel, and oxygen. These components are often referred to as the "fire triangle," which illustrates the fundamental requirements for fire to ignite and sustain itself.

Heat is essential because it raises the temperature of the fuel to its ignition point. Fuel can be any combustible material, such as wood, paper, or gasoline, that can burn and provide the necessary energy for fire. Oxygen, typically provided by the surrounding air, is necessary for combustion as it reacts with the fuel in a chemical process to produce fire.

When any one of these three elements is removed, the fire cannot continue to burn, which is why firefighters often focus on depriving a fire of heat, fuel, or oxygen to extinguish it. This understanding is critical in both fire prevention and firefighting tactics.