What does a fire need to burn?
Three basic elements must come together for a fire to start – the so-called combustion triangle:
- Combustible material: e.g. wood, paper, oil, gas, plastics.
- Oxygen: from the air, usually in a concentration of at least 16%.
- Ignition energy: e.g., sparks, open flames, heat, or electrical energy.
Only when all three components are present can a fire start. If just one of these factors is removed, the fire will go out or will not start in the first place.
How does a fire start?
A fire can be caused by numerous factors, including:
- Technical defects (e.g., overheated appliances)
- Negligence (e.g., unattended candles)
- Electrical short circuits
- Open flames and flying sparks
- Spontaneous combustion of certain materials
A professional fire protection strategy is therefore essential, especially in commercial and public buildings, in order to prevent fires from starting, detect them early, and extinguish them.
How can a fire be extinguished?
To extinguish a fire, at least one of the three conditions of the combustion triangle must be interrupted:
- Oxygen deprivation (e.g., with a CO₂ extinguisher)
- Heat deprivation (e.g., with water or foam)
- Removal of the fuel
The appropriate extinguishing agent depends on the fire class and the location. In our article “Extinguishing fires correctly,” you can learn more about the correct procedure in an emergency.
Whether powder, foam, or CO₂ extinguishers—each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Our blog article “An overview of fire extinguisher types” explains which device is ideal for which fire class. It is also worth taking a look at our article “Foam or powder extinguishers?” to help you make the best choice for your property.