Fire is a chemical reaction that occurs when two substances in contact with each other combine to form a new substance, usually with the release of heat. The speed at which this process happens is known as the rate of combustion.
The rate of combustion can be affected by many factors, such as the type of fuel, the amount of oxygen present, and the temperature. In general, higher temperatures will result in a faster rate of combustion.
Combustion reactions are exothermic, meaning they give off heat. This heat can be used for various purposes, such as powering engines or heating buildings. It can also be dangerous if not properly controlled, as it can start fires.
There are many different types of fire: wildfires, house fires, forest fires etc. All have different causes and effects but ultimately result in damage to property and/or loss of life. Wildfires are typically started by lightning strikes, while house fires may be caused by faulty electrical wiring or careless cooking habits. No matter their cause, all fires need fuel and oxygen to continue burning.
Firefighters use a variety of techniques to extinguish fires, depending on the type of fire they are fighting. Water is effective at cooling hot surfaces and smothering flames, but it does not work well on grease or electrical fires. Foam is another common firefighting agent that works by creating a barrier between the oxygen in the air and the fuel source; without oxygen, flames cannot exist. Dry chemicals like potassium bicarbonate are also sometimes used to put out fires; these work by breaking down the chemical reaction that produces flame (oxidation).