brushfire
Fast-spreading ground fire
A brushfire is a fire that burns through dry brush, grass, and low vegetation, typically spreading quickly across open land.
More loosely, any wildfire.
Figuratively, brushfire describes something that spreads rapidly or flares up suddenly: brushfire wars, a brushfire of rumors.
As an adjective, it suggests improvised response to scattered outbreaks: brushfire diplomacy.
Area of low shrubs
- chaparralDense, drought-adapted shrubbery
- grasslandTreeless herb-covered ecosystem
- savannaTropical grassland, sparse trees
- prairieOpen grassy flatland
heath · underbrush · drought · arid · regeneration · firebreak · swidden · ecosystem
Intense burning fire
- flamesVisible burning combustion
- infernoDevastating, uncontrollable blaze
- conflagrationLarge destructive blaze
- firestormSelf-perpetuating intense blaze
spread · ember · ash · char · scorch · kindle · ignite · combustion
Murky atmospheric suspension
- ashCombustion's powdery remains
- sootCarbon from incomplete burning
- particulatesMinute airborne solids or droplets
- smolderingBurning slowly, no flame
fumes · visibility · plume · drift · inhalation · respiratory · choking · fallout
Removal from danger
- firefighterEmergency blaze responder
- rescueSave from harm
- shelterProtected place or structure
- crisisDecisive dangerous moment
alarm · sirens · 911 · relief · aid · containment · warning · perimeter
Severe widespread destruction
- scorchedBurned on surface
- charredBurned until black
- ravageCause severe destruction
- damageHarm or impairment
incineration · consumed · wasteland · ruination · obliteration · annihilation · demolished · gutted
scrubland
Area of low shrubs
- chaparralDense, drought-adapted shrubbery
- grasslandTreeless herb-covered ecosystem
- savannaTropical grassland, sparse trees
prairie · heath · underbrush · drought · arid · regeneration · firebreak · swidden · ecosystem · habitat
blaze
Intense burning fire
- flamesVisible burning combustion
- infernoDevastating, uncontrollable blaze
- conflagrationLarge destructive blaze
firestorm · spread · ember · ash · char · scorch · kindle · ignite · combustion · engulf
haze
Murky atmospheric suspension
- ashCombustion's powdery remains
- sootCarbon from incomplete burning
- particulatesMinute airborne solids or droplets
smoldering · fumes · visibility · plume · drift · inhalation · respiratory · choking · fallout · embers
evacuation
Removal from danger
- firefighterEmergency blaze responder
- rescueSave from harm
- shelterProtected place or structure
crisis · alarm · sirens · 911 · relief · aid · containment · warning · perimeter · volunteers
devastation
Severe widespread destruction
damage · incineration · consumed · wasteland · ruination · obliteration · annihilation · demolished · gutted · blackened
- fireflame, blaze, flames, inferno, embers
- natural disastersearthquake, tornado, hurricane, tsunami, volcanic eruption
- severe weatherblizzard, hurricane, cyclone, hailstorm, ice storm
- chaparralmanzanita, scrub oak, greasewood, redshank, white sage
brushfirecontrolled burn
Intentional fire for land management
prescribed fire · campfire · hearth fire · bonfire · cooking fire
brushfirefirestorm
Self-perpetuating intense blaze
conflagration · inferno · wildfire · forest fire · ember