The distributed mathematical model of magnesium particle ignition is developed taking into account the heterogeneous chemical reaction and the domain of particle thermal influence on gas. The problem solvability in the stationary case has allowed one to expand classification of regular modes of heating as well as the modes of extinction and ignition of a particle. The limiting size of a gas layer near a particle is found that determines an ignition mode. It is shown that the ignition delay time grows if we take into account the gas layer near the particle. Stability of some heating modes within the framework of finite and infinitesimal perturbations is studied. An opportunity to control the ignition process by high-frequency thermal action on the unstable particle gas states is shown. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.