Fire is a chemical process known as __________.

Fire is primarily recognized as a chemical process known as combustion. Combustion involves a rapid exothermic reaction between a fuel and an oxidant, typically oxygen, resulting in the release of heat, light, and various chemical products such as carbon dioxide and water vapor. This process is fundamental to understanding how fires start and propagate, making it a key concept in fire safety and prevention.

In contrast, oxidation, while related to combustion, refers to any reaction in which a substance loses electrons, and does not specifically encompass the entire process of fire. Ignition denotes the initial phase where a combustible material reaches its ignition temperature and begins to burn, rather than defining the ongoing process. Lastly, condensation is a physical process where gas transforms into a liquid state and is unrelated to fire or combustion. Thus, combustion is the most accurate term to describe the chemical process that characterizes fire.