Combustion Reactions

     A combustion reaction is a major class of chemical reactions. It is a type of chemical reaction where a compound and oxidant is reacted. Usually occurs when a hydrocarbon gets mixed with oxygen and it produces carbon dioxide and water. Combustion involves a reactions between any material that is a combustible and an oxidizer and it mixes and produces an oxidized product. Combustion releases heat becase it is an Exothermic reaction. An Exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that produces heat. Sometimes the combustion reaction mixes slowly you cannot realize the temperature change. There are good signs that you can know if you are dealing with a combustion reaction correctly. Include having the presence of oxygen as carbon dioxide or reactants and water and heat as the products.  

Source: http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemicalreactions/a/Combustion-Reactions.htm