What is the primary hazard of an oxidizer in a fire?

An oxidizer is a substance that provides oxygen to support the combustion process and can cause or enhance the burning of materials. The primary hazard presented by oxidizers in a fire is their ability to accelerate combustion. When an oxidizer is present, it significantly increases the intensity and rate of fire because it allows materials that would ordinarily burn slowly or not at all to ignite more easily and burn more fiercely. This characteristic makes fires more difficult to control and can lead to rapid and dangerous fire spread.

Understanding this behavior is crucial for safely handling and storing oxidizers, as their presence in a fire scenario creates a situation where even non-flammable substances can combust if the right conditions prevail. This poses a significant risk to life and property, making the role of oxidizers in fire situations critical to recognize.