"That person is very ill-tempered"; He/she is Ill-tempered" — These examples all imply a "negative" personality trait.
Fiery tempered, or quick-tempered, doesn't always imply a negative personality. A girl can have a fiery-temper, which means that maybe she is quick to fight or get angry, but that quality might be something that is well liked about her.
EX:
"That new red-head in class has a fiery-temper! It's so attractive!" red-head (a person, usually a female, with naturally red hair) ("fiery red-head" is a common expression; to be called a fiery red-head is a good thing. It implies that her personality is attractive)
"Her quick temper is what I like about her! I think it is so alluring."
"Do you know Bob? He is a really ill-tempered person. I hate to be around him."
"Does Robert have to come? He is so ill-tempered! He always ruins the party!"
"Short-tempered"; "has a short fuse" can be interchangeable with ill-tempered, and keep the same meaning.