red fire

American  

noun

1. any of various combustible preparations, as one containing strontium nitrate, that burn with a vivid red light: used chiefly in pyrotechnic displays and in signaling.

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red fire British  

noun

1. any combustible material that burns with a bright red flame: used in flares and fireworks. The colour is usually produced by strontium salts

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Etymology

Origin of red fire

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Since Monday, Hong Kong has been under a red fire danger warning, the highest level, as dry weather conditions made the risk of fire extremely high.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 26, 2025

“Then, all of a sudden, it updated and showed that the red fire zone had spread all over the whole area,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2025

TVN24 showed footage of Braun with a red fire extinguisher putting out the fire and causing smoke or haze to fill the area.

From Washington Times • Dec. 12, 2023

Parsons’ shoes were covered in red fire retardant dropped from aircraft fighting the fire, indicating they were in areas they were not allowed to be in, documents say.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 23, 2023

Strangely, of all the questions Genie had, he didn’t have any about the red fire truck.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds