What term describes the combination needed for combustion to occur?

The term that describes the combination needed for combustion to occur is fuel and oxygen. This concept is fundamental in fire science, as combustion is a chemical reaction that requires a fuel source—such as wood, gasoline, or some other combustible material—and an oxidizer, which is most commonly oxygen.

When these two elements meet under the right conditions, typically accompanied by sufficient heat, a fire can ignite and sustain itself. This relationship is often depicted by the fire triangle, which illustrates the interplay between heat, fuel, and oxygen as the essential elements for combustion. Without either the fuel or the oxygen, combustion cannot take place, leading to the importance of understanding this combination in fire safety and prevention.