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Don't be surprised if, when struck, it flares up! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

vesta

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'don't' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for vesta that I've seen before include "heavenly body" , "Stave (anag.)" , "Roman goddess of the hearth" , "Asteroid; goddess; match" , "Roman goddess; match" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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