In the Bible, fire is a potent and layered symbol. It can represent the manifest presence of God (as in the burning bush, Exodus 3:2), divine judgment and wrath (Sodom and Gomorrah, Genesis 19:24), purification and refinement (Malachi 3:2-3), and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:3). Dreaming of fire, therefore, may signal a period of spiritual testing or transformation, a call to purify one's life, or an encounter with divine power. It may also serve as a warning of impending judgment or the need for repentance and moral refinement.

In Buddhism, fire is closely associated with the three poisons—desire, aversion, and ignorance—that perpetuate suffering (samsara). The Fire Sermon (Adittapariyaya Sutta) teaches that all sensory experience is 'burning' with these fires. Dreaming of fire may reflect the presence of attachment, craving, or anger in one's life, but it can also symbolize the process of burning away ignorance and delusion on the path to enlightenment. The dream may be a call to mindfulness and letting go.

Culturally, fire is a primal symbol found in myths and folklore worldwide. It represents both creation and destruction, the warmth of the hearth and the danger of the wildfire. Fire is often linked to rebirth (as with the Phoenix), inspiration, and the boundary between civilization and chaos. The dream's context—whether the fire is nurturing or destructive—reflects cultural attitudes toward change, renewal, and the dual nature of passion and creativity.

In Hinduism, fire (Agni) is sacred and central to ritual, symbolizing purity, transformation, and the divine witness. Dreams of fire may indicate spiritual cleansing, the destruction of negative karma, or the presence of divine energy. As Agni is the messenger between humans and gods, dreaming of fire can also signify communication with the divine, a call to spiritual action, or the transformative power of devotion and sacrifice.

In Islamic dream interpretation, fire is a dual symbol, representing both danger and guidance. According to classical interpreters like Ibn Sirin, fire can indicate fitnah (trial), divine punishment, or anger, especially if it is destructive or out of control. However, a beneficial fire—one that provides light or warmth—may signify knowledge, spiritual illumination, or guidance. The context and the dreamer's feelings toward the fire are crucial: an uncontrolled blaze warns of conflict, gossip, or hardship, while a controlled fire can be auspicious, pointing to enlightenment or the presence of divine mercy.

Psychologically, fire in dreams often embodies intense emotions—anger, passion, desire, or even creativity. From a Jungian perspective, fire is a transformative force, representing the process of psychological change: burning away the old to allow for renewal. The dream's context—whether the fire is destructive or contained—mirrors the dreamer's relationship with their own emotional energy: uncontrolled fire may hint at repressed rage or turmoil, while a hearth fire suggests warmth, transformation, and integration of the self.

Spiritually, fire is a universal archetype of purification, transformation, and the vital life force. Across traditions, fire is seen as a bridge between the material and spiritual realms, burning away impurities and catalyzing growth. Dreaming of fire may indicate a spiritual awakening, a need for inner cleansing, or the presence of transformative energy. It can also symbolize the soul's journey through trials toward enlightenment or self-realization.