Science, Tech, Math › Science Fire Point Definition in Chemistry What Does Fire Point Mean? Print Fire point is the temperature at which the vapor of a fuel will burn for 5 seconds. Steve Bronstein, Getty Images Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on July 09, 2019 Fire Point Definition Fire point is the lowest temperature where the vapor of a liquid will initiate and sustain a combustion reaction. By definition, the fuel must continue to burn for at least 5 seconds following ignition by an open flame for the temperature to be considered the fire point. Fire Point vs Flash Point Contrast this with the flash point, which is a lower temperature at which a substance will ignite, but may not continue to burn. The fire point for a specific fuel is not typically listed, while flash point tables are readily available. Generally, the fire point is about 10 °C higher than the flash point, but if the value must be known, it should be determined experimentally. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Fire Point Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/definition-of-fire-point-605131. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2021, February 16). Fire Point Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-fire-point-605131 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Fire Point Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-fire-point-605131 (accessed April 25, 2024). copy citation