Hell in Detail

Why is hell associated with fire? If when you die you go to hell you will be dead and therefore a ghost/spirit and cant feel flame. If anything it would provide light which is necessary or we will go insane. And depending on your beliefs isn't it called outer DARKNESS. There cant be fire in darkness. Or is fire just a symbol to mean pain and suffering? If so don't most people associate it with comfort and warmth? Why has fire become at all associated with hell? Let me know what you think. Maybe we can figure this out together.