as in blazes
a fire in a wild area (such as a forest) that is not controlled and that can burn a large area very quickly
The recent wildfires were made worse by the strong winds.
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Recent Examples of wildfires
Although much of Malibu was under evacuation orders, sheltering in place was the university’s primary plan during wildfires, developed in consultation with fire officials, said Michael Friel, a university spokesman.
—
Corina Knoll, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Although vague, the threat could have serious consequences for California, where major wildfires can cause billions of dollars in damage, much of which is typically covered by the federal government.
—Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Cal Fire estimates that 95% of wildfires are caused by humans, including from carelessness, deliberate ignitions and infrastructure failures.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
But in modern times, humans nearly always cause wildfires, and the presence of homes and other structures adds to the destructive potential.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Smoke from Canadian wildfires engulfed the Midwest and East Coast, driving emergency room visits for respiratory conditions to unprecedented levels.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
The City of Malibu warned residents to prepare for potential wildfires, power outages, hazardous roads and malfunctioning traffic signals.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
As climate change drives larger and more frequent wildfires, the population exposed to hazardous smoke is growing.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Drought Tracker Drought can contribute to wildfires, given that dry vegetation provides quick fuel for fires.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Corina Knoll, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Although vague, the threat could have serious consequences for California, where major wildfires can cause billions of dollars in damage, much of which is typically covered by the federal government.
—Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Cal Fire estimates that 95% of wildfires are caused by humans, including from carelessness, deliberate ignitions and infrastructure failures.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
But in modern times, humans nearly always cause wildfires, and the presence of homes and other structures adds to the destructive potential.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Smoke from Canadian wildfires engulfed the Midwest and East Coast, driving emergency room visits for respiratory conditions to unprecedented levels.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
The City of Malibu warned residents to prepare for potential wildfires, power outages, hazardous roads and malfunctioning traffic signals.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
As climate change drives larger and more frequent wildfires, the population exposed to hazardous smoke is growing.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Drought Tracker Drought can contribute to wildfires, given that dry vegetation provides quick fuel for fires.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near wildfires
Cite this Entry
“Wildfires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wildfires. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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