What Is the purpose of the fire in lord of the flies in chapter 10?

In Chapter 10 of "Lord of the Flies," the purpose of the fire is to act as a signal for rescue. The boys intend to keep the fire burning at all times to increase the chances of being seen by passing ships or planes and getting rescued from the uninhabited island. However, the neglect of the fire leads to missed opportunities for rescue, highlighting the boys' descent into savagery.