What role does oxygen play in the fire triangle?

Oxygen plays a crucial role in the fire triangle as it supports combustion, which is the process that enables fire to burn. The fire triangle model identifies three essential elements needed for fire to occur: heat, fuel, and oxygen. Without oxygen, the combustion process cannot happen; flames would extinguish in the absence of it.

When oxygen combines with a fuel source in the presence of heat, combustion reactions are initiated, producing fire as a result. This is why maintaining an adequate supply of oxygen is critical for sustaining a flame. It highlights the significance of managing oxygen levels in various firefighting scenarios, such as controlling ventilation when combating fires.

The other options address different aspects of fire and its dynamics but do not accurately capture the fundamental function of oxygen in supporting the combustion process.