Fire Triangle
Fire is a chemical reaction between fuel and oxygen in the air.
It needs heat to get the reaction going, then the reaction creates more heat, and the fire spreads when the heat travels.
Fuel, Oxygen and Heat are called the Fire Triangle or can be known as the Combustion Triangle.
Take away one side, and the fire stop.
Fire Triangle is often used in a basic Firefighting Training
- Take away the Fuel, by shutting off a valve
Take away the Heat, by cooling with water - Take away the Oxygen, with a fire blanket
Fuel
In order for a fire to start, there must be a material to burn – and this is referred to as the fuel.
Fuel is any kind of combustible material, including paper, oils, wood, gases, fabrics, liquids, plastics and rubber.
Heat
In addition to a fuel source, heat must be present in order for ignition to take place. All flammable materials give off flammable vapours which, when the heat is present, combust.
Heat is also responsible for the spread and maintenance of fire as it removes the moisture from nearby fuel, warming the surrounding area and pre-heating fuel in its path, enabling it to travel and develop with greater ease.
Oxygen
As well as fuel and heat, fires also need oxygen to stay alight, remember oxidising materials carry their own oxygen.
