The phrase "to fuel the fire" means to add more arguments, disagreements, or negative emotions to an already tense or difficult situation, making it worse. Full definition
Chronic inflammation not only fuels the fires of acne but also keeps acne from fading away. (supernaturalacnetreatment.com)
I agree they are obsessed with her, but you are only fueling the fire with your (quite long) response. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)
I have no doubt that the rise of renewable energy, wind power in particular, is causing problems to the fossil fuel fired power stations. (ramblingsdc.net)