What is the lowest temperature at which a liquid produces enough vapour to sustain a continuous fire?

The fire point is defined as the lowest temperature at which a liquid produces enough vapor to sustain a continuous fire. At this temperature, the vapors that are generated can not only ignite but continue to burn as long as there is enough vapor to maintain the combustion process. This contrasts with the flash point, which is the lowest temperature at which enough vapor is produced to temporarily ignite when exposed to an ignition source.

The fire point being slightly higher than the flash point indicates a specific condition where combustion is sustained, rather than just a momentary flare-up. Understanding this distinction is crucial for fire safety and prevention, as materials that reach their fire point pose a persistent hazard.

The other terms mentioned, such as vapourization temperature and ignition temperature, refer to different aspects of combustion and fire behavior. The vapourization temperature relates to the temperature at which a liquid turns into vapor, while the ignition temperature is the minimum temperature needed for a material to ignite without an external ignition source. The fire point serves as a crucial threshold for continuous combustion, making it an essential concept in fire science and safety.