What is the process by which a fire is initiated?

The process by which a fire is initiated is referred to as ignition. Ignition is the critical starting point where sufficient energy is applied to a combustible material, leading to the release of flammable gases and the subsequent establishment of a fire. It marks the transition from a non-combustible state to a state where combustion can occur.

In the context of fire investigation and understanding fire dynamics, ignition involves various factors, such as the presence of heat, fuel, and oxidizers. This system of elements must be present in appropriate conditions to facilitate the beginning of combustion.

Fire propagation, on the other hand, refers to the continuation and spread of an existing fire once ignition has occurred. Combustion is the chemical reaction that takes place when a fuel reacts with oxygen, releasing heat and light, and is a direct result of the ignition phase. Fire suppression is the process used to extinguish a fire, which is a separate phase that occurs after ignition and combustion have taken place.