What happens when fuel is removed from a fire?

Removing fuel from a fire results in starving the fire, which is a fundamental concept in fire safety. Each fire needs three key elements to sustain itself, often referred to as the fire triangle: heat, fuel, and oxygen. By eliminating the fuel source, you effectively deny the fire one of these essential components.

When the fuel is removed, the fire can no longer continue to burn, leading to its extinguishment. This approach is commonly applied in various fire suppression techniques, where the removal of combustible materials can prevent re-ignition or further growth of the fire. Starving the fire is particularly effective in controlling small fires and preventing them from spreading to larger areas.