Define "combustion" in relation to fire.

Combustion is defined as a chemical reaction that occurs when a substance (typically a fuel) reacts with oxygen, producing heat, light, and various gases. This exothermic reaction is the fundamental process that occurs in fires, where the rapid oxidation of the fuel releases energy in the form of heat and light. Understanding combustion is crucial in fire service, as it helps firefighters comprehend how fires start, spread, and can be extinguished.

The other choices do not accurately describe combustion in the context of fire. For instance, while some choices focus on extinguishment methods or describe fire suppression techniques, they do not encapsulate the core qualities of combustion itself, which involves the transformation of materials at a chemical level to produce byproducts and energy. Only the option that specifies a reaction producing heat, light, and gases accurately reflects the nature of combustion as it relates to fire dynamics.