What is the fire point of a substance?

The fire point of a substance refers specifically to the temperature at which it will continue to burn after being ignited. At this temperature, the fuel can sustain combustion, meaning it produces enough vapors to maintain the fire without requiring an external source of heat.

Understanding this definition helps distinguish the fire point from other temperature-related terms like flash point, which is the lowest temperature at which a substance's vapors can ignite but may not sustain a fire. The fire point is crucial in assessing the flammability and safe handling of various materials, as it indicates a condition where a substance can actively contribute to the combustion process.

Other options presented relate to fire safety and combustion but do not define the fire point accurately. For instance, while the maximum temperature for fire safety addresses overall safety limits, it does not pinpoint a specific temperature related to combustion. Similarly, the temperature at which a fire begins is more associated with the flash point, and smoke production could occur at various temperatures without necessarily indicating a sustained combustion process.