What kind of fires are “controlled by a creature?”

Question

The oh so delicious Control Flame manipulates "non-living fire ... that is not controlled by a creature."

Do zones, non-sustained zones, environmental effects, and/or torches count?

Answer 1

I'd treat the "controlled by a creature" part as any instance of a flame that is either:

• part of the equipment of a creature (including magical and non-magical torches);
• part of a Zone, Aura or Conjuration power or trait a creature activated (e.g.: a Flaming Sphere^DDI);
• part of a power's sustainable effect or attack originated from a creature (e.g.: the Control Flame^DDI itself).

I'd exclude flames that:

• have been created by any instantaneous, non-sustainable power or effect, even if it deals ongoing fire damage.

E.g.: one of the Kobold Slinger^DDI's special ammunition sets the target on fire. Even if the target's equipment could be enveloped in flame, I don't think we could consider it as "part of the equipment". Also, the slinger has no more control on the flame (the kobold cannot sustain it).

Answer 2

The way I would read this: Any fire is a viable target, as long as its manipulation would not conflict with the intent of the caster of the source of the fire.

If the torch is a normal torch, then fine. If the torch is a magical torch, you can't control it. Same with a Zone, or non-sustained zones. You can't use this power to negate the zone.