Fire accelerant

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In fire protection, an accelerant is any substance or mixture that accelerates or speeds the development and escalation of fire.^[1] Accelerants are often used to commit arson, and some accelerants may cause an explosion. Some fire investigators use the term "accelerant" to mean any substance that initiates and promotes^{[clarification needed]} a fire without implying intent or malice. In Arson investigation, the significance of accelerant is to detect the presence of a such substance in order to proved that the fire is classified as an arson.^[2]

A fire is a self-sustaining, exothermic oxidation reaction that emits heat and light. When a fire is accelerated, it can produce more heat, consume the reactants more quickly, burn at a higher temperature, and increase the spread of the fire. An accelerated fire is said to have a higher "heat release rate," meaning it burns more quickly.