Fire is not a solid, liquid, gas, or plasma. It is not a substance at all — it is a chemical reaction. More specifically, fire is a self-sustaining process called combustion.

During combustion, a fuel reacts with oxygen in the air and releases energy in the form of heat and light. This released energy keeps the reaction going, allowing the fire to continue as long as fuel and oxygen remain available.

The flame you see is produced by excited particles releasing light, while the warmth you feel is the heat generated by the reaction. Smoke consists of tiny particles that did not fully burn.

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