Fire is Chemistry

Every flame is a rapid oxidation reaction. Combustion happens when a fuel reacts with oxygen, releasing heat and light. The general equation is straightforward: fuel + O2 produces CO2 + H2O + energy.

For combustion to occur, you need three things — the fire triangle: fuel, oxygen, and heat. Remove any one and the fire dies. That is why you can smother a candle (remove oxygen), douse a campfire (remove heat), or create a firebreak (remove fuel).