What three elements must combine to cause a fire?

A fire requires a combination of essential elements to ignite and sustain combustion. The correct combination is fuel, oxygen, and heat.

Fuel serves as the combustible material that burns. Without a source of fuel, such as wood, paper, or gasoline, there is nothing to sustain the fire. Oxygen is necessary to support the combustion process; it reacts with the fuel when ignited. Lastly, heat is required to reach the ignition temperature of the fuel, enabling the fire to start.

This trio is often referred to as the "fire triangle." If any one of these components is removed, the fire will extinguish. Understanding this concept is crucial for fire prevention and safety measures, as it informs strategies for safely managing and mitigating fire risks in various environments.