What does the term "fire triangle" consist of?

The term "fire triangle" consists of three essential elements required for combustion: heat, fuel, and oxygen. Each of these components plays a critical role in the fire ignition and sustaining process.

Heat is necessary to raise the material to its ignition temperature, enabling the combustion reaction to occur. Fuel serves as the material that burns, providing the energy needed for the fire. Oxygen, typically from the air, is crucial for the combustion process, as it supports the chemical reactions that produce flames.

When any one of these three elements is removed, the fire cannot ignite or continue to burn. This understanding is fundamental for firefighting techniques, as interventions often focus on eliminating one of the triangle's components—either by cooling the fire (removing heat), creating barriers (removing fuel), or smothering (removing oxygen). Thus, recognizing that heat, fuel, and oxygen comprise the fire triangle is vital for effective fire management and prevention strategies.