What three items are needed to start a fire?

The correct answer is B. Fuel, oxygen, and heat because these three components form what's known as the fire triangle, which is fundamental in understanding how fires ignite and sustain.

Fuel refers to any combustible material, such as wood, gasoline, or paper, that can catch fire. Oxygen is necessary for combustion to occur, typically provided by the air around us which contains about 21% oxygen. Heat is required to raise the material to its ignition temperature, allowing the molecules to react and start the combustion process. This combination explains why removing any one of these three elements will extinguish a fire; for example, removing heat with water can cool the fuel below its ignition temperature, stopping the fire.

This understanding of the fire triangle is crucial in fire safety practices, as it not only explains how to start a fire effectively but also underscores the methods for fire prevention and extinguishment.