What is the definition of fire?

The definition of fire as a "rapid chemical process that produces heat and light" captures the essence of what fire fundamentally is. Fire occurs during combustion, which is a chemical reaction between a fuel source and an oxidizing agent, typically oxygen in the air. This rapid reaction releases energy in the form of heat and light, which characterizes the visible flames and warmth that we associate with fire.

Understanding fire in this way highlights the importance of the chemical reaction involved, differentiating it from related concepts such as energy or extinguishing methods. While energy is a byproduct of the reaction, and extinguishing flames involves methods to interrupt the combustion process, these do not define what fire itself is. The definition emphasizes the nature of fire as a reaction, which is critical for recognizing its behavior and managing fire safety effectively.