What is fire? is a very common question for people but the answer can vary according to different prospectives. According to philosophy, fire is one of classic ancient elements which are base of power for anything in the universe but different philosophers give different answer of the question “What is fire?” Famous Greek philosopher Aristotle defines “fire is primarily hot and secondarily dry”. Egyptian philosopher Glen describes fire or bile as Hippocrates of human body along with black bile (earth), blood (air) and phlegm (water). Description of question “What is fire?” also varied with culture. Ancient Indian culture or Hinduism defines fire in “PANCHA MAHABHUTA” as “TAJAS” or “AGNI”.
The most logical answer for “What
is fire?” is given by modern scientist. They consider fire as a
chemical reaction. It comes from the reaction of two general
compounds atmospheric oxygen and organic carbon. Organic carbon or
fuel gas provides stored energy which converts into heat. During the
reaction of fire atomic bonding of the gases are break and rearrange
to form new kind of elements. One of the important characteristics
of fire is self-perpetuating
element that means flame of fire produce ignition temperature for
flammable gas and continues burning.
Three elements must combine to produce fire; they are fuel,
oxygen and heat.
Fire is blessing for mankind but careless use of fire may cause of disaster. Most Common Causes of fire disaster are, Flames: Careless use of flammable gases and combustible fluid like kerosene, paint, wax etc. near the source of fire, not proper disposal of cigarettes and matches.
Electrical: Electrical short circuit is the main cause of fire hazards. Faulty wiring and unofficial use of electricity may also cause of fire.
Kitchen Works: Daily use item like heater and stoves are general source of fire.
Natural: Thunder is
a natural source of fire hazards.