UNDERSTANDING THE FIRE TRIANGLE 

What is Fire?

Fire is a chemical reaction called combustion that happens when heat, fuel, and oxygen combine.
It produces heat, light, smoke, and gases.

Fire will continue to burn as long as these three elements are present.

The Fire Triangle

The fire triangle shows the three elements needed to start and sustain fire:

Heat

Heat raises the temperature of a material until it reaches its ignition point.

Sources of heat:

• Open flames
  
  

• Electrical sparks
  
  

• Friction
  
  

• Hot surfaces
  
  

• Lightning

Fuel

Fuel is any material that can burn.

Examples of fuel:

• Paper and wood
  
  

• LPG and gasoline
  
  

• Curtains and furniture
  
  

• Plastics and rubber
  
  

• Dry leaves and grass

Oxygen

Oxygen supports combustion.
It is present in the air around us.

Fire needs at least 16% oxygen to keep burning.

How Fire Starts

Fire starts when:

1. Heat is applied to fuel.
   
   

2. The fuel reaches its ignition temperature.
   
   

3. Oxygen reacts with the heated fuel.

How Fire is Extinguished

Fire can be put out by removing one element of the fire triangle:

• Remove heat → cooling with water
  
  

• Remove fuel → clearing combustible materials
  
  

• Remove oxygen → covering with lid, fire blanket, foam, or sand

Examples of Fire Triangle in Daily Life

At Home

• LPG stove → fuel (gas), heat (spark), oxygen (air)
  
  

• Overloaded outlet → heat from electricity, fuel from wires, oxygen in air
  
  

In School

• Burning paper in trash bin
  
  

• Faulty electrical wiring
  
  

• Laboratory alcohol lamp
  
  

In the Community

• Burning garbage
  
  

• Forest or grass fire
  
  

• Fuel station fire

Common Fire Hazards

• Overloaded electrical outlets
  
  

• Damaged electrical cords
  
  

• Unattended candles
  
  

• Leaking LPG tanks
  
  

• Improper storage of flammable materials
  
  

• Smoking in restricted areas

Wildfire and the Fire Triangle

Wildfires occur when:

• Dry vegetation acts as fuel
  
  

• High temperature or lightning provides heat
  
  

• Air supplies oxygen
  
  

Factors that make wildfires spread faster:

• Strong winds
  
  

• Low humidity
  
  

• Hot weather
  
  

• Drought
  
  

• Steep slopes

Importance of Understanding the Fire Triangle

• Helps prevent fire incidents
  
  

• Guides proper use of fire extinguishers
  
  

• Helps identify fire hazards
  
  

• Supports safe evacuation planning
  
  

• Protects lives and property

Breaking the Fire Triangle for Fire Prevention

• Keep flammable materials away from heat sources
  
  

• Turn off electrical appliances when not in use
  
  

• Store LPG tanks properly
  
  

• Maintain electrical wiring
  
  

• Keep fire extinguishers ready