What does the cryptic crossword clue "Fear old fire may explode in dire emergency (3,4,4)" mean?

The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of FEAR + OLD + FIRE = FOR DEAR LIFE The answer is FOR DEAR LIFE.

Fear old fire may explode in dire emergency (3,4,4)

Times Cryptic #28890 | 13 Down | 2024-04-13 flower