What does the term "fire triangle" illustrate?

The term "fire triangle" illustrates the three elements necessary for fire, which are heat, fuel, and oxygen. This conceptual model is fundamental in understanding how fires ignite and sustain themselves. Each of the three elements must be present for a fire to start; removing any one of them will extinguish the fire.

Heat is required to elevate the temperature of the fuel to its ignition point, fuel is the material that burns, and oxygen is typically provided by the surrounding air. The fire triangle is a crucial component of fire science and firefighting strategy, as it allows firefighters to effectively eliminate one of these components to extinguish a fire. Understanding this concept is essential for anyone involved in fire safety and prevention efforts.