HISTORY OF FIRE

The Beginning Although there is no official date for when fire was discovered, there are no artifacts that depict man without fire. It was believed that the gods originally had fire. Natural sources of fire included lightening and volcanoes.

Ways to keep the fire Once man had fire they had to find ways to preserve the fire. –First, they tried to buried the fire. –Next, they used a fire stick that was always burning. –Finally a curfew or “fire-cover” was used.

Example of a curfew and curfew bell tower

The Fire Keeper The job was created to ensure that –The fire did not go out –The fire did not spread –No one stole the fire

Uses of fire Fire was used for –Cooking –Warmth –Light –Social Gatherings –Weapons

When fire moved inside When fire was brought inside the cave or dwelling, smoke quickly filled the area. The smoke needed a way to leave. First record of a chimney- 12 th century England. A chimney is defined as a hollow vertical shaft used to remove the products of combustion from a building.

What is Fire? Ancient Greeks believed that fire was one of four elements. Fire consists of many different compounds so it is not an element. Fire is a mixture of hot gases. Flames are produced due to a chemical reaction. If the flames are hot enough, fire can become a new state, plasma.

Fire Fire is a chemical reaction between oxygen and fuel. This reaction occurs when the fuel reaches its ignition temperature. This reaction is a combustion reaction. It is exothermic. Once fire begins, it is self-perpetuating.