Definition
The lowest temperature at which a flammable liquid produces enough vapor to sustain continuous burning once ignited. Unlike the flash point, where vapors only briefly flash and go out, the fire point is the temperature at which the flame keeps burning on its own.
Plain English
The temperature at which a fuel or oil gives off enough vapor to keep burning steadily after a flame is applied, rather than just flashing once and going out.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of aviation fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, and other aircraft liquids that can burn when heated.
Derivation
Straightforward combination of 'fire' (sustained burning) and 'point' (a specific temperature on a scale). The pairing matters because it distinguishes this temperature from the lower flash point, where ignition is only momentary.
Why Pilots Care
Determines safe storage and handling temperatures for aviation fuels and lubricants to reduce sustained fire risk.
Grounding Statement
Below the fire point, a liquid may flare briefly if lit; at or above the fire point, it can keep burning.
Intuition Check
Fire point does not mean the place where a fire starts. It also is not just the first brief flash of flame; it is the temperature where burning can continue.
Example Sentence 1
The technician noted that the hydraulic fluid had a high fire point, meaning it would not sustain burning at normal operating temperatures.
Example Sentence 2
High ambient temperatures near the fire point of stored fuel require extra precautions during refueling.