I think i got it narrowed down to the effect code

effect(fire_effect,20*time_step,temp,temp);

when i comment out the line above, the engine gives me no errors.

but of course i also get no fire. Also, no matter where i place the above
effect code, i always get an error, even when the function is empty.

ie...

//for candles
function fire_effect(PARTICLE *p)
{

wait(1);
}

i get an engine error that says "invalid argument in fire" so what is wrong with the effect or what is wrong with the function? Does anyone know?