Final answer:
Early humans started fires whenever they wanted by using various techniques and tools. Controlled fires provided warmth, scared off predators, cooked meat, aided in tool creation, and promoted social bonding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early humans started fires whenever they wanted by using various techniques and tools. It is believed that Homo erectus, an earlier ancestor, used fire, although it is unclear whether they were able to start fires or simply perpetuated naturally occurring fires. Modern humans, however, learned to start and control fires at least 125,000 years ago, if not earlier.
Controlled fires had several benefits for early humans, including providing warmth in cold climates, scaring off predators, cooking meat for easier consumption and digestion, and aiding in the creation of certain tools. Fire also played an important social role, promoting bonding and cooperation.