What is included in the fire tetrahedron?

The fire tetrahedron is an essential concept in fire science that expands on the traditional fire triangle. It includes four critical elements necessary for combustion: heat, oxygen, fuel, and a chemical chain reaction.

Heat is required to raise the material to its ignition temperature, while oxygen (or another oxidizing agent) supports the combustion process. The presence of fuel provides the necessary substance that burns. The chemical chain reaction refers to the ongoing reactions that sustain the fire once it has started, allowing it to continue until one of the four elements is removed.

This understanding is crucial for effective fire prevention and suppression strategies because addressing any one of these components can disrupt the combustion process, effectively extinguishing the fire or preventing it from starting.