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Fire is a rapid, self-sustaining chemical reaction (oxidation) that requires four components—fuel, oxygen, heat, and a chain reaction—collectively known as the fire tetrahedron. Removing any element causes the fire to extinguish. It is characterized by the release of light and heat.
The Four Components (Fire Tetrahedron): Fuel: Any combustible material (solid, liquid, or gas). Solid fuels undergo pyrolysis to release gases, while liquids undergo vaporization. Oxygen: Oxidizing agent; air typically contains ~21% oxygen, and at least 16% is needed for combustion. Heat: Energy source required to reach the ignition temperature and maintain the chemical reaction. Chemical Chain Reaction: The ongoing interaction between the heat, fuel, and oxygen that keeps the fire burning.
Fire Behaviors & Stages: Heat Transfer: Fire spreads via conduction (contact), convection (fluid movement), and radiation (electromagnetic waves). Stages: Ignition, growth, fully developed, and decay. Extinguishing Methods: Removing heat (water), removing oxygen (smothering/foam), removing fuel, or breaking the chemical chain reaction (dry powder).
Common Fire Terms: Flash point: Lowest temperature a liquid gives off sufficient vapors to ignite. Pyrolysis: Chemical decomposition of solid matter by heating. Oxidation: Chemical combination of a substance with oxygen.
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