What happens when a component is removed from the fire/combustion process?

When a component is removed from the fire or combustion process, such as fuel, oxygen, or heat, the fire will be extinguished. This is based on the fire triangle concept, which states that fire requires three essential components: a heat source, fuel, and an oxidizing agent (usually oxygen). Removing any one of these components disrupts the chemical reaction necessary for combustion, leading to the extinguishment of the fire.

For example, if fuel is taken away, there are no combustible materials available to sustain the fire. Similarly, if the oxygen supply is reduced or eliminated, the combustion process cannot continue. Thus, the action of removing a crucial component effectively interrupts the process, resulting in the fire being put out. This fundamental principle of fire behavior is critical for fire investigation technicians to understand when determining the cause and conditions of a fire incident.