noun
wildfire
WYLD-fy-ur/ˈwaɪldfaɪər/
An uncontrolled fire that spreads rapidly through vegetation.
The wildfire spreads rapidly through dry brush on the hillside.
Etymology
Wild and fire originally described a destructive, raging blaze. The image of fire acting without restraint connects that older meaning with today's uncontrolled fires spreading through vegetation.
In context
controlled burns they would intentionally burn off the old vegetation and that is a form of wildfire prevention
More examples
- A lightning strike sparked a wildfire in the dry grass.
- Several families evacuated as the wildfire approached their neighborhood.
- Strong winds can make wildfires spread faster.
Forms
wildfire · wildfires
Similar words
- brushfire
- Specifically burns brush or scrub rather than other vegetation.
- forest fire
- Specifically burns wooded land, while wildfires also burn grasslands.