1
general::
Phrase(s): fan the flames (of something)
Fig. to make something more intense; to make a situation worse. • The riot fanned the flames of racial hatred even more. • The hostility in the school is bad enough without anyone fanning the flames.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Intensify or stir up feelings; exacerbate an explosive situation. For example, She already found him attractive, but his letters really fanned the flames, or His speech fanned the flames of racial dissension.
American Heritage Idioms