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.

---

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

---

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

The man was wearing a yellow firefighter uniform — and he was driving a full-size red fire engine outfitted with emergency lights, California license plates and an American flag.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 19, 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

They found red fire retardant dropped from aircraft caking their house, garden and front yard.

From New York Times • Aug. 20, 2022

Even though it’s dark, even though his face is in shadow, it seems that his eyes glow with red fire like the tip of his smoldering cigarette.

From "Without Refuge" by Jane Mitchell