What is the basic chemical reaction of fire that produces heat and light?

The basic chemical reaction of fire that produces heat and light is combustion. Combustion is a rapid chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidizing agent, typically oxygen from the air, which results in the release of energy in the form of heat and light. This process is essential for the fire phenomenon, as it defines the transformation of materials due to the oxidation reaction, where fuel is consumed, and new products such as carbon dioxide and water vapor are formed.

Combustion is characterized by its requirements of a combustible material, a sufficient amount of oxygen, and an ignition source, making it the fundamental mechanism by which fires occur and sustain. The visible flames and warmth associated with fire are direct products of this ongoing combustion process. Understanding this principle is critical for fire investigators in determining the cause of a fire and the behavior of flames.