What are the three components of an ordinary fire?

The three components of an ordinary fire are fuel, heat, and oxygen, which are commonly referred to as the "fire triangle." Each of these elements plays a crucial role in the combustion process:

• Fuel: This is any combustible material, such as wood, paper, or gasoline, that can burn. Without fuel, a fire cannot start or continue to burn.

• Heat: Heat is necessary to raise the temperature of the fuel to its ignition point. This can be supplied in various ways, such as through friction, chemical reactions, or electrical sparks.

• Oxygen: Most fires require oxygen to sustain combustion. The typical concentration required for a fire to burn is around 16% in the air, which is present in sufficient quantities in the atmosphere.

When all three components are present, a fire can ignite and continue to burn. Removal of any one of these elements will extinguish the fire, which is fundamental to fire safety protocols. Understanding this concept is essential for biomedical equipment technicians since they may encounter fire hazards when working with electrical equipment, flammable materials, and in healthcare settings.