What is fire?

Fire is a chemical and physical phenomenon that occurs as a result of the combustion of combustible materials in an oxygen environment. Fire has properties such as heat, light, flame, smoke and color. Fire has been one of the main elements in the philosophical and religious beliefs of many cultures and has played an important role in the history of human civilization.

Fire is also used for various purposes such as cooking, energy production, lighting, heating, boiling, blacksmithing, entertainment and religious ceremonies. But fire can be dangerous and cause fires, physical injuries and economic losses. Therefore, fire control and prevention requires proper knowledge and equipment. In this article, we examine the definition, history, causes, types and uses of fire.

To produce fire, three main factors are necessary: combustible material, oxygen and heat. These three factors are called fire triangle. If one of these factors is removed, the fire will go out. Combustible materials can be anything that can be burned, such as wood, paper, gasoline, etc. Oxygen may be supplied from air or from oxidizing substances. Heat may come from sparks, flames, lightning, etc.

To produce fire, we need to give enough heat to combustible materials so that its temperature reaches the ignition point. The flash point is the temperature at which a combustible material begins to produce combustible gas. This gas reacts with oxygen and produces a flame. The flame emits light and heat and causes the burning of other parts of the combustible material. This process continues in a chain and spreads the fire.

fire triangle

The fire triangle is a simple but important concept in chemistry and firefighting that suggests three main factors are required for combustion: combustible material, oxygen, and heat. These three factors can be drawn as a triangle, each side of which represents one of the factors. If one of these factors is removed, the fire will go out. In this article, we explain each of these factors and how to control them.

Combustible materials

Combustible material is anything that can burn and react with oxygen to produce heat and light. Combustible materials may be solid, liquid or gas. For example, wood, paper, gasoline, alcohol, propane, etc. Every combustible material has a flash point, which is the temperature at which the material begins to produce combustible gas. To prevent fire, we must keep combustible materials away from fire or keep its temperature low.

oxygen

Oxygen is a gas in the air that causes fire and is flammable. At least 16% of air oxygen is required for combustion to occur. To extinguish a fire, the amount of oxygen must be reduced or eliminated. For example, by covering the fire with a blanket, closing the gas valve or using fire extinguishers.

heat

Heat initiates and continues combustion. There are various sources for generating heat, such as sparks, flames, electrical activity, etc. To prevent fire, heat sources must be controlled or located away from combustible materials. To extinguish the fire, the heat must be reduced or eliminated. For example, by spraying water, extinguishing powder or carbon dioxide.

Result

The fire triangle is a simple but important concept in chemistry and firefighting that suggests three main factors are required for combustion: combustible material, oxygen, and heat. If one of these factors is removed, the fire will go out. Therefore, in order to prevent and contain fire, one should pay attention to these three factors and find suitable ways to remove or isolate them.