What is the purpose of the fire tetrahedron?

The fire tetrahedron is a conceptual model that illustrates the four essential components needed for combustion to occur: heat, fuel, oxygen, and a chemical reaction. Understanding this model is crucial because it highlights how each element contributes to the fire triangle's basic principle. When discussing combustion, it is vital to recognize that without any one of these four elements, a fire cannot ignite or sustain itself.

This understanding not only helps firefighters understand how fires start and how they develop, but it also informs fire prevention strategies. For example, removing one of the elements can stop a fire from occurring, which is foundational for effective firefighting and safety measures. This makes the purpose of illustrating the components of combustion a fundamental aspect of fire science and firefighting training.