DiscoverExplain It Like I’m 5How Did Fire Happen? (And Who Was Brave Enough to Touch It First?)
How Did Fire Happen? (And Who Was Brave Enough to Touch It First?)

How Did Fire Happen? (And Who Was Brave Enough to Touch It First?)

Update: 2025-11-12
Share

Description

Fire is terrifying—and yet, it’s the reason we’re here. From lightning strikes and volcanoes to campfires and stovetops, how did humans first discover fire? And who was the first brave (or foolish) soul to actually touch it?


In this episode of Explain It Like I’m 5, host Alex dives into the wild story of how fire began, how early humans learned to control it, and how it completely reshaped our species. You’ll learn:




  • What fire really is (hint: it’s not a thing, it’s a chemical event!)




  • How ancient humans kept and made fire 




  • Why fire gave us warmth, safety, and cooked food—and maybe even bigger brains




  • The myths and legends about “stealing fire” from the gods




  • Fun facts about plasma flames, fire tornadoes, and eternal fires that never go out




It’s history, science, and a dash of mythology—all in one spark-filled episode.

Comments 
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

How Did Fire Happen? (And Who Was Brave Enough to Touch It First?)

How Did Fire Happen? (And Who Was Brave Enough to Touch It First?)

Alex