fire

Everyday

1. The flames, heat and light made when something burns. tree →
2. A burning that destroys something: "a house fire", "a forest fire". tree →
3. A small fire made on purpose for warmth or cooking: "a campfire". tree →
4. As a verb, to shoot a gun or launch something: "fire a rocket". tree →
5. As a verb, to tell someone they no longer have their job. tree →

In the lessons

In science, fire needs three things: heat, fuel and oxygen (the fire triangle); take one away and the fire goes out. In safety: never play with matches or lighters; if there is a fire, get out, stay out and call 911 / 999 / 000 / 111 / 112; stop, drop and roll if clothes catch fire; crawl low under smoke. Phrases: on fire, catch fire, set fire to, fire alarm, fire drill, fire engine, firefighter, open fire.

Examples

• We sat by the fire to keep warm. tree →
• Fire needs oxygen to burn. tree →
• If there is a fire, get out and stay out. tree →
• The forest fire burned for days. tree →
• Never play with matches; they can start a fire. tree →
• The fire alarm rang during the fire drill. tree →
• If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll. tree →
• The firefighters put out the fire with water. tree →
• Old man, take away that fire!” tree →

Note

"A fire" is countable; "fire" in general is uncountable. Do not use water on an oil or electrical fire. Emergency numbers: 911 (USA, Canada), 999 or 112 (UK, Ireland), 000 (Australia), 111 (New Zealand). Smoke is often more dangerous than flames.

In Jewish tradition

Fire in the Torah can be God's sign, as in the burning bush, or the fire on the altar that burned the offerings, or a fire sent as punishment.

Interpretation. The rabbis said the altar fire must never go out, and that the fire of Shabbat is forbidden to kindle. Sefer Yetzirah calls fire one of the three "mother" elements with air and water.

Examples

• Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.' (Torah EXO.35.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• For the LORD thy God is a devouring fire, a jealous God. (Torah DEU.4.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the flesh and the skin were burnt with fire without the camp. (Torah LEV.9.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• How long will Thy jealousy burn like fire? (Writings PSA.79.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• How long shall Thy wrath burn like fire? (Writings PSA.89.47, JPS 1917) tree →
• At the brightness before Him coals of fire flamed forth. (Prophets 2SA.22.13, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

"A fire" is countable; "fire" in general is uncountable. Do not use water on an oil or electrical fire. Emergency numbers: 911 (USA, Canada), 999 or 112 (UK, Ireland), 000 (Australia), 111 (New Zealand). Smoke is often more dangerous than flames.