What Does it Mean When You Dream about Fire?

Decoding the spiritual and psychological symbolism of fire dreams

Co-authored by Kari Samuels and Luke Smith, MFA

Last Updated: September 18, 2023 Fact Checked

Fire is a powerful symbol of many things in many cultures—strength, destruction, even desire. So when fire enters your dreams, it might be that your subconscious is using that symbol to tell you something, and it’s just a matter of figuring out what. We’ll fill you in on 11 common fire dreams and their possible interpretations. We’ll also give helpful pointers for how to handle each dream so that you can solve the problems in your waking life.

Things You Should Know

Generally, fire often represents passion, transformation, or intense feelings like anger. It could be that those feelings are manifesting in your dreams.
Dreams of your house catching fire may indicate that you're emotionally overwhelmed. If it’s your workplace on fire, you may have career stress.
Dreams of candles, campfires, or fireplaces often represent more positive change, like spiritual transformation or good luck coming your way.

1

If you’ve started dreaming about fire…

Download Article

...you may be working through intense feelings of passion or anger. Often, our dreams are trying to tell us things that we cant or won’t realize in our waking lives. Typically, dreams that involve fire are caused by any number of elevated or intense emotions, most commonly growing pains, passion (such as romance or creative energies), or an explosive release of pent-up emotion.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- What to do: Examine your dream and ask yourself: What is on fire? How do I feel about it in my dream? Is it dangerous? Sometimes, the thing that’s burning is the object of your emotion.
- How you feel in your dream is often how you feel about that object in real life. If there’s a sense of danger, it may hint that the dream itself is suggesting a problem in your waking life. If there’s a sense of contentment, it might reflect more positive feelings, like gratitude.

2

If you dream about your house on fire…

Download Article

…you might be overwhelmed by stress. Whether it’s your personal life, your relationships, or your finances, something is threatening to fizzle you out.^{[2]
X
Research source} The stress is so intense that it’s invaded your own home, where you should feel safe and relaxed, not on-edge. And if you don’t handle your stress soon, you risk burning up.
- What to do: De-stress in the short term by going for a quick run or meditating, both of which help your body release pent-up energies.^{[3]
  X
  Research source} And when your body feels better, so does your mind, which equips you to tackle your problems head-on.
- Then, try to identify the core problem. What is it that keeps you up at night, or what are you thinking about right before you go to sleep? That’s likely the cause of the dreams, and where you need to direct your energy to solve the issue.

3

If you dream about your workplace on fire…

Download Article

…you may have job-related stress. It could be that you’re worried about losing your job, or that you got a poor performance review. Or, maybe you’re starting a new job and feel anxious about making a good impression.^{[4]
X
Research source} At any rate, a fire in your workplace hints at turbulence in your professional life.
- What to do: Impress your boss by taking the initiative to ask them what you might do to improve, or if there’s anything in particular they’re looking for from a stellar employee. Then, take their advice to heart. Once your performance is on the rise, you might find that your dreams become more lighthearted, too.

4

If you dream that you’re on fire…

Download Article

…you may feel betrayed by someone close to you. It’s a literal manifestation of the phrase “getting burnt by someone.”^{[5]
X
Research source} Maybe you and your partner are arguing and going to bed angry, or maybe a close friend said something less than kind. Whatever it is, your feelings are singed, and now you’re feeling the heat in your sleep.
- What to do: Take steps to forgive and forget. Tell whoever hurt you that you love them, and that you want to mend the relationship. Or, if it’s too far gone, try to move on from the relationship by focusing instead on your hobbies or interests to put the fiery dreams behind you.

5

If you dream that something or someone else is on fire…

Download Article

…you might feel anxious about something precious to you. Fire is a destructive force, and it sometimes threatens to destroy things or people you care about in your dreams, either physically or emotionally.^{[6]
X
Research source} It’s not a bad omen, per se, but it is a reflection of how passionately you care for whatever or whomever the dream-fire threatens.
- What to do: Check in on your loved ones. Show those close to you that you love them by sending them a letter. You can’t always control what life throws at you, but you can let your loved ones know they mean a lot to you.
- Or, take stock of your valuable possessions. Whether their value is physical or emotional, make sure you know where they are and that they’re safe, so that you can rest easy at night.

6

If you dream about having trouble lighting a fire…

Download Article

…you might be feeling uninspired or bored. It could be that your creative or artistic pursuits have stalled, or maybe your sex life has hit a wall.^{[7]
X
Research source} Trying and failing light a fire in a dream may reflect a very specific frustration in your waking life, and no matter how hard you rub those sticks together, you’re just not getting any sparks.
- What to do: Take a break from what’s frustrating you. Step away from the canvas, or distract yourself from your sex life by focusing on something like exercise instead. There’s not much point in forcing something that won’t come, and often these sorts of things sort themselves out with a little time, anyway.
- Then, recapture your inspiration by reminding yourself about why you do what you do. For example, you paint to express yourself, or you’re intimate with your partner to express your love for them. Identifying your motivation goes a long way to rekindling it.

7

If you dream about a campfire or fireplace…

Download Article

…it may indicate that good fortune is coming your way. Fire isn’t just destructive, it also lends warmth and light. Likewise, dreaming of a pleasant campfire, warm stove, or entrancing fireplace may symbolize success or good luck.^{[8]
X
Research source} It might be a financial windfall, career success, or maybe an old friend will turn up unexpectedly. Whatever it is, brace for good fortune.
- What to do: Stay motivated by reminding yourself of your goals, and don’t stop the hard work just yet! Good things are coming your way, and that hard work will pay off.

8

If you dream about a fire-breathing dragon…

Download Article

…you may be dealing with a difficult person. Just like dragons spew fire, some people spew harsh words to get their own way.^{[9]
X
Research source} It could be an irksome coworker, a headache-inducing in-law, or just some cranky stranger whose words stuck with you as you fell asleep. They’re breathing smoke into your slumber, and you’re having trouble clearing the air.
- What to do: Focus on the big picture. Ask yourself: Will their words matter in a month? A year? 10 years? They might be a bump in the road now, but you’re driving on past them.

9

If you dream about a forest fire…

Download Article

…it may mean that you feel trapped or helpless. Forest fires are frightening backdrops to roaring flames. Often, there’s no obvious escape, and they travel quickly. They may indicate a feeling of being surrounded or overwhelmed in your waking life.^{[10]
X
Research source} Something has you cornered, whether it’s your finances, career, or a relationship that’s run its course, and you’re looking for a way out.
- What to do: Whenever you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to do some breathing exercises. Ten seconds in, 10 seconds out. A clear head is key to taking stock of your situation.
- Then, ask a close friend or family member for their opinion on your conundrum, or see a therapist to get some valuable outside perspective. Often, someone who isn’t involved can offer invaluable insight.

10

If you dream about a candle…

Download Article

…it might hint toward spiritual healing. In dreams, candles often symbolize cleansing of the spirit or the soul.^{[11]
X
Research source} Dreaming of a burning candle, then, might indicate that you are, or are about to, undergo some serious emotional transformation, and for the better. You might mature as a person, or find a new psychological aspect of yourself you didn’t know you had.
- What to do: Keep a spiritual journal to chronicle your journey. Each day, jot down your blessings or any thoughts that inspire you. Keeping a record of how you feel during this transformation might help you in your breakthrough.

11

If you dream about trying to escape a fire…

Download Article

…it could mean that you’re breaking free from your problems. Whether you’re leaping from a burning house or fleeing a forest fire, finding an escape route may suggest an end to your waking troubles.^{[12]
X
Research source} And just as a forest fire makes way for new growth, you may soon find yourself learning and growing from your troubles.
- What to do: Stay positive and see your troubles through by reminding yourself of what you’re working toward. Visualize the worry-free life you want in order to help manifest it.