Piney Point Basic Fire Fighting Practice Exam

The three components of the fire triangle are heat, fuel, and oxygen. Each component plays a critical role in the ignition and maintenance of a fire.

Heat is necessary to raise the material to its ignition temperature. It can be generated from various sources such as friction, electrical sparks, or chemical reactions. Without sufficient heat, a fire cannot start or continue to burn.

Fuel is any combustible material that can ignite and sustain a fire, such as wood, paper, gasoline, or any other substance that can undergo combustion. The type of fuel affects how a fire burns and its characteristics.

Oxygen is required for combustion, as it supports the chemical reactions that occur during a fire. In most cases, the air comprises around 21% oxygen, which is sufficient for most fires.

Understanding this triangle is fundamental for fire prevention and firefighting, as removing any one of these elements will extinguish or prevent the fire from starting. Hence, recognizing that heat, fuel, and oxygen are the essential components highlights the principles of how fire behaves and how it can be controlled.