Which two factors are key in understanding fire behavior?

The understanding of fire behavior fundamentally hinges on the relationship between heat and fuel, which is epitomized by the fire triangle. Heat serves as the energy source required for combustion, while fuel is the material that burns. When these two elements are present together with oxygen, a fire can ignite and sustain itself.

Knowledge of how heat interacts with various fuels is crucial for predicting fire spread, intensity, and behavior. Different materials require different temperatures to ignite and sustain combustion, and firefighters must understand these dynamics to effectively control and extinguish fires.

While other factors like oxygen and pressure, firefighters and equipment, or time and distance may affect fire scenarios and operations, the core principles of fire behavior are most directly linked to the interplay of heat and fuel. Recognizing this relationship allows for better strategic planning in fire fighting and safety measures.