What is Fire?

Fire is actually a strong oxidation reaction of a substance during combustion.

Take a lit candle 🕯 as an example. The wax of a candle is composed of hydrocarbon molecules. When the wax is heated and burned, the hydrocarbon molecules break down into carbon and hydrogen atoms in the form of gas💨. This decomposition process is called pyrolysis 🔥.

When carbon and hydrogen atoms come into contact with oxygen, heat is generated, so there is enough heat to keep the candle burning 🕯. This process of heat generation by continuous contact with oxygen is called oxidation.

When the flame burns, convection 🔄 occurs, transferring heat through the air 🌡.

For instance, the heat generated by the candle flame will increase the temperature of the adjacent air while the hot air rises ⬆️. At the same time, cold air is constantly approaching the bottom of the flame, replacing the hot air that has risen. The cold air is heated 🔥, turned into hot air, and subsequently rises. The steps repeat and form the convection effect.

Therefore, when a fire occurs, choosing the correct and fastest escape route is very important ⚠️ because the oxidation reaction of the flame will continuously consume oxygen. The slightest delay in the escape time may lead to hypoxia (insufficiency of oxygen). 😖😖

During an evacuation, if you find that the smoke is dense and the ambient temperature is high, remember to escape by crouching or crawling! Even if it is only half a meter of vertical separation, the difference in carbon monoxide concentration can be huge ❗️