no, it wasn't really necessary.
In the log files of VV2, we can see that the fire helps and assists the scientists and I think it's the same in VV3 but there is no log files.
In VV2, it's shown by the lighted candles on the research table but there is nothing in the research lab of VV3 to be lighted.
In fact, I don't know, I just suppose and if there is "fire for researchers" message I think it's true!