fire science

American

[fahyuhr sahy-uhns] / ˈfaɪər ˈsaɪ əns /

noun

the study of fire, with specific disciplines that include the composition of fire, acceleration and suppression of fire, prevention of fire, control of wildfires, and fire-related consequences of climate change.

She got her bachelor’s degree in fire science with a concentration in public relations.

Etymology

Origin of fire science

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Professor Rory Hadden, chair of fire science at the University of Edinburgh, agreed that most wildfires in Scotland were caused by human activity.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2025

The problem is, fire science research has yet to determine how close is too close.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2025

Glenn Corbett is an assistant professor of fire science and public administration at John Jay College at the City University of New York.

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2023

Three fire science experts who examined the photos for the AP noticed several items that could be possible ignition sources for the rekindled fire.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 26, 2023

Glenn Corbett, a fire science professor at John Jay College in New York City, said closed doors are vital to containing fire and smoke, especially in buildings that do not have automatic sprinkler systems.

From Fox News • Jan. 11, 2022

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023