Why does fat or lard ignite fire?

Question

I seemed to have missed the bus on this one. Anyone know the science behind it all? is there science about that?

Answer 1

Fats, oils and waxes are concentrated fuels. A hydrocarbon fuel like fat is mostly carbons bonded to each other and hydrogen. When mixed with oxygen, electrons move to more stable configurations and remake the reactants into carbon dioxide and water. The extra energy is released as heat, and shows up as a flaming mass of gases, called a fire.

Answer 2

it is just another fuel,

when our body metabolises it , CO2 & H2O are the products,

so too are CO2 & H2O the products when it catches on fire

it has an ignition temperature like many other fuels that is easily reached, & once it has reached that temp, enough of its vapor is mixed with the air that a spark will ignite the mix.

it is no difference than burning paper, wood, gasoline etc