What are the three components of the fire triangle?

The fire triangle consists of three essential components that are required for a fire to ignite and sustain combustion: oxygen, heat, and fuel.

Oxygen is crucial because it acts as an oxidizing agent that supports the chemical reactions involved in combustion. The presence of heat is necessary to raise the material to its ignition temperature, allowing the chemical reaction to occur. Finally, fuel is any combustible material that can burn, providing the necessary substance for the fire to consume.

By understanding the fire triangle, one can implement effective fire prevention strategies. For example, removing any one of these components — such as denying oxygen through enclosure or cooling down with water to reduce heat — can extinguish a fire. This foundational concept is widely recognized in safety protocols and fire prevention practices, underscoring its critical nature in both design and emergency response.