Which of the following is NOT a component of the fire triangle?

The fire triangle consists of three essential elements required for a fire to occur: fuel, oxygen, and an ignition source. Fuel is any combustible material that can burn, while oxygen is necessary for combustion to take place. The ignition source is what initiates the fire, such as a spark or flame.

In this context, carbon dioxide is not a component of the fire triangle. Instead, it is a byproduct of combustion and can actually act as a fire suppressant because it displaces oxygen in the environment, thus inhibiting the fire's ability to continue burning. This understanding highlights that while fuel, oxygen, and an ignition source are crucial for fire to ignite and sustain, carbon dioxide does not play a role in starting or maintaining a fire. It serves a different function in relation to fire dynamics.