4. Fire- An introduction

Early human beings had used fire a million years ago. Interestingly, the discovery of fire had been a turning point in the evolution of human. The discovery of fire helped the early humans keep themselves warm, cook their food, protect themselves from dangerous animals, and also create innovative hunting tools.

 

 

Today, we create fire using various tools. We use matchboxes or lighter to start a fire.

 

 

But how do you think the early human created fire? Did they have matchboxes or a lighter back then? No. The matchsticks were invented only during the early \(19\)th century. The lighter came much later.

 

The early human had used flintstones to create fire. Metals such as iron and steel were also used.

 

 

How do you think fire is used at your homes?

 

Food: The primary function of fire lies in the area of cooking. Most of the households in India and around the world rely on the gas stoves and traditional stoves for cooking.

 

 

Culture: Fire is also used as a part of religious practices. For instance, it is used for lighting brass lamps or diyas in Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Zoroastrian religious festivals, households, and temples. On the other hand, candles are used worldwide in Churches or Christian homes.

 

 

Warmth: In colder regions, fire has been used to keep themselves warm. The houses normally have a fireplace where the fire is set on.

 

 

Light: Candles and lamps are still sources of light in the absence of electricity.

 

 

What are the dangers involved with a fire?

 

Fire has been one of the most commonly found causes behind some of the human-made disasters in the world. War, arson, and fire accidents are some of them. Since fire can spread faster and wider, the outcome of such disasters are quite severe.

 

  

Forest fires and volcano are some of the most terrible natural disasters in the world.