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

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 lay down strips of red fire retardant ahead of approaching flames in support of ground crews who are more likely to hold a fire line after a retardant bomber has made a drop.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 13, 2021

Peter Sanders, a spokesman for the department, said the Getty Center was surrounded by firefighters as air tankers dropped red fire retardant on canyons to the west to create a barrier.

From New York Times • Oct. 28, 2019

Once again the marble burned and flickered with a red fire.

From "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman