The argument cannot be made for water as it does not respire or digest.
Yes, the definition of life that fire fits in is broad. But it is still the definition of life.
I don't know how you define "respire", but water dissolves and releases gases. Fire is a gas, so it can't "respire" the same way. It is just one gas or another.
As for digestion, water is a powerful solvent that breaks many things down. Fire just heats them up, which may or may not change their chemical structure.
As for digestion, water is a powerful solvent that breaks many things down. Fire just heats them up, which may or may not change their chemical structure.