Fire attacks encompass any form of flame or excessive heat and can come from a variety of sources: elemental spells, a hit from a burning torch and, of course, the rightfully dreaded dragon's breath.
Apart from instant damage, fire can also destroy valuable equipment. Any carried scrolls of parchment are quick to burn, poitions may boil and crack, wooden and leather equipment can burn and smolder to uselessness. It is always wise to store flammable equipment in rugged containers, so that they are protected from harm.
Protection from fire reduces damage received from exposure to such attacks, but it will not protect your equipment.