Fires require which three elements to burn?

The correct answer identifies the three essential elements for combustion: fuel, oxygen, and heat.

Fuel is the material that burns, which can include wood, gasoline, paper, and more. Oxygen is crucial as it supports the chemical reactions that produce fire; without it, a fire cannot sustain itself. Heat initiates the combustion process—it's the energy that raises the temperature of the fuel to its ignition point, allowing it to burn.

This triad is often referred to as the "fire triangle," and understanding it is fundamental to fire safety and prevention. If any one of these elements is missing, a fire cannot ignite or continue to burn, which is why they are critical in both natural and controlled combustion processes.