Editing Accelerant (section)

=== Fire ===
{{Main|Fire accelerant}}
In [[fire protection]], the term ''accelerant'' is used differently from its use in chemistry, to refer to any material that initiates and promotes the development of [[fire]], including in cases of [[arson]], whether a chemical or not. Chemists distinguish an accelerant from a [[fuel]], such as gasoline. This usage of ''accelerant'' is also referred to by the term '''ignitable liquid'''.

A fire is a self-sustaining, [[exothermic reaction|exothermic]] oxidation reaction that emits heat and light. When accelerants such as oxygen-bearing liquids and gases (like [[nitrogen dioxide|{{chem|NO|2}}]]) are used, fires produce more heat, consume fuel more quickly, and spread quicker. Fires involving liquid accelerants like gasoline burn quicker, but at the same temperature as fires involving ordinary fuels.