Dear Jeni,

Is it possible to set ice on fire?

Robert Frost

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Dear Mr. Frost,

Consider the following facts:

1. Water becomes ice when frozen.
2. Ice melts and returns to water when heat is applied.
3. Fire is a heat source.
4. Fire therefore melts ice.
5. Melted ice is water.
6. Water evaporates when excessive heat is applied.

Thus, it may safely be concluded that fire will not burn or consume ice, but will only melt and eventually evaporate it. For further information about the nature of water, consult Kindergarten Science for Dummies.

Jeni,
Emeritus Professor of Water