What defines fire?

Fire is defined as a form of combustion that produces heat and light. When a material undergoes combustion, it reacts chemically with oxygen, resulting in the release of energy in the form of heat and visible light. This phenomenon is a crucial aspect of fire, as it encompasses both the exothermic reaction that occurs when a combustible material is ignited and the observable effects, which include flames and radiant heat.

The nature of fire involves not just the chemical reaction but also the byproducts created during this process. The heat generated can facilitate further combustion by raising the temperature of nearby materials, while the light is a direct indication of the energy being released. Understanding this definition is essential for firefighters, as it ties into key principles of fire behavior and the methods used for fire suppression and prevention.