What does the fire triangle illustrate?

The fire triangle illustrates the three essential elements needed for fire to occur: heat, fuel, and oxygen. Each of these components plays a critical role in the combustion process. Heat is necessary to raise the material to its ignition temperature, fuel provides the combustible material, and oxygen supports the chemical reaction of combustion. If one of these elements is removed, the fire cannot sustain itself and will ultimately extinguish.

Understanding the fire triangle is fundamental for fire prevention and firefighting strategies. For example, in fire suppression tactics, removing heat (with water), excluding oxygen (with foam or blanketing agents), or eliminating fuel can effectively put out a fire. This concept is integral to both training for firefighting and safety protocols on ships or in any environment where fire hazards are a concern.