What does the fire triangle illustrate?

The fire triangle illustrates a model outlining the necessary elements for combustion, specifically highlighting the three components required for a fire to ignite and sustain itself: heat, fuel, and oxygen. Understanding this concept is crucial for firefighters and those involved in fire prevention and safety because it allows them to identify how to initiate or extinguish a fire. By manipulating any one of these elements—removing heat through cooling, eliminating fuel, or reducing oxygen availability—firefighters can effectively influence fire behavior. This foundational concept is critical in the training and operational strategies of wildland firefighters, as it informs their approach to both prevention and suppression tactics.