At which temperature do piloted ignitions of sufficient vapors begin a sustained combustion reaction?

The fire point is the minimum temperature at which a liquid can produce enough vapor to sustain combustion when it is ignited. At this temperature, sufficient quantities of vapors are released to continue the combustion reaction after ignition has occurred. This is critical in fire scenarios because it signifies that the material can not only ignite but also maintain burning, which creates a potential fire hazard.

Understanding the fire point is essential for firefighters and safety professionals as it helps in assessing the risks associated with various liquids and their ability to sustain fires. It differentiates between substances that can momentarily ignite and those that will continue to burn once ignited.

In contrast, while other terms refer to important concepts in fire science, they do not accurately describe the specific temperature necessary for sustained combustion. The flash point, for example, is the lowest temperature at which enough vapors can ignite briefly but does not necessarily mean that the vapor will continue to burn. Vapor density relates to how heavy vapors are compared to air, which affects how a substance disperses but does not directly pertain to the conditions for sustained combustion. Solubility indicates how well a substance can dissolve in a solvent and does not relate to ignition or fire characteristics.