firefangs

/ˈfaɪərˌfæŋz/
noun
  1. A mythical or folkloric creature, often described as a small, fiery serpent or dragon that is said to cause fires or bring bad luck.
    • The old farmer blamed the barn fire on a firefangs that had nested in the hayloft.
    • In local legend, a firefangs was a tiny dragon that breathed sparks and could ignite a whole forest.
    • Children were warned not to leave candles burning, or a firefangs might come and steal the flame.
  2. A term used in some dialects for a type of glowing ember or spark that flies out of a fire and can start a new blaze.
    • Grandpa called those flying sparks 'firefangs' and always kept a bucket of water nearby.
    • A single firefangs landed on the roof and within minutes the whole shed was burning.
    • Be careful of firefangs jumping out of the campfire; they can easily set the dry grass alight.