When did civilization use fire as an essential?

Civilization began using fire as an essential tool around 1.5 million years ago, with evidence suggesting early hominins, like Homo erectus, harnessed it for warmth, cooking, and protection. This pivotal development allowed for the expansion of human diets and facilitated social interactions around hearths. The control of fire significantly contributed to the advancement of technology and culture, marking a key milestone in human evolution.