Which process involves heating that causes material to decay and produce fire gases?

The process that involves heating a material to the point where it decays and produces fire gases is pyrolysis. This occurs when organic materials, such as wood or other solid fuels, are subjected to heat in the absence of sufficient oxygen. During pyrolysis, the material breaks down chemically, resulting in the release of volatile gases and solid char.

This stage is critical in fire behavior because it precedes combustion; the gases released during pyrolysis can then mix with air and ignite, leading to flame. Understanding this process is essential for fire investigators as it plays a significant role in how fires start and develop.

Combustion refers to the chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidizer, producing fire, while ignition is the initiation of combustion itself. Oxidation is a broader process involving the reaction of a substance with oxygen but does not specifically relate to the production of fire gases as pyrolysis does.