Which material is primarily responsible for sustaining a fire?

The material most responsible for sustaining a fire is fuel. In a fire, fuel is any combustible material that can burn and contribute to the combustion process. This includes solids, liquids, and gases that release energy in the form of heat and light when they undergo oxidation. For a fire to continue burning, there must be a continuous supply of fuel available.

While ignition sources are necessary to start a fire, and heat and oxidizers (like oxygen) play critical roles in the combustion process, fuel is the primary material that sustains the reaction by providing the substance that actually burns. Without an adequate supply of fuel, even the presence of heat and oxidizers cannot maintain a fire. Therefore, understanding the role of fuel is crucial in fire prevention and safety measures.