How does a match start a fire?

A match is considered an ignition source because when struck, it creates an open flame and a fair amount of heat. It can set off an explosive gas mixture, or might ignite any flammable liquid or other material. The match initates the chemical reaction of the fire.

An explosive gas mixture only needs a spark or open flame to initiate the rapid chemical reaction. The open flame will generate enough heat to lift a flammable liquid or many combustable materials above their combustion temperature. Once started, combustion is in many (most) cases self-supporting, and the match which began the fire is no longer necessary for the fire to continue.