During a fire, which gas is typically produced by combusting materials?

When materials combust, particularly organic materials such as wood, plastics, or fuels, one of the primary byproducts is carbon monoxide. This gas is colorless, odorless, and highly toxic, forming when there is insufficient oxygen present during the combustion process. Incomplete combustion often leads to the production of carbon monoxide instead of carbon dioxide, which would be the case in ideal conditions with enough oxygen.

The presence of carbon monoxide in smoke is a significant safety hazard during a fire, as it can rapidly accumulate and pose serious health risks, including poisoning. Firefighters and safety personnel often prioritize detection and ventilation efforts to manage carbon monoxide levels in smoke-filled environments.

While oxygen is necessary for combustion to occur, it is not produced as a byproduct. Nitrogen dioxide can also be produced from certain combustion processes, especially those involving high temperatures, but it is not as common as carbon monoxide during typical fires. Hydrogen may be released from some materials but is not a primary byproduct of general combustion processes. Thus, carbon monoxide is the most relevant gas produced during a fire under the conditions of incomplete combustion.