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

The term for the lowest temperature at which a liquid can produce sufficient vapor to sustain a continuous fire is known as the fire point. This temperature indicates a vital threshold, where not only does the liquid release enough combustible vapor to ignite, but it also maintains that combustion as long as heat is continuously applied. This concept is crucial for understanding fire behavior, as it marks the transition from simply ignitable to a sustained combustion phase.

In contrast, the flash point refers to the lowest temperature at which the vapor may ignite momentarily but does not support ongoing combustion. Volatility describes how readily a substance vaporizes, which is related but does not specify a temperature for sustaining fire. Flame over refers to a phenomenon rather than a specific temperature, describing the ignition of flammable vapors that may occur above burning surface, further differentiating it from fire point. Understanding these terms helps firefighters assess fire risks and handle flammable materials safely.