brushfires
Spreading vegetation burns
Brushfires are fires that burn through brush—dry grass, shrubs, and low vegetation—often spreading rapidly across open land.
The term is common in areas prone to such fires, particularly in dry climates: Brushfires swept through the hillsides.
Figuratively, brushfires are small, scattered problems that flare up and demand attention: The manager spent her day putting out brushfires.
Visible burning combustion
- blazeIntense burning fire
- infernoDevastating, uncontrollable blaze
- conflagrationLarge destructive blaze
- combustionExothermic reaction with oxygen
embers · smoldering · kindling · flammable · fireline · firebreak · backburn · hotspot
Murky atmospheric suspension
- ashCombustion's powdery remains
- sootCarbon from incomplete burning
- particulatesMinute airborne solids or droplets
- visibilityRange of clear sight
inhalation · respiratory · embers · smoldering · plume · drift · choking
Interconnected organisms and surroundings
- floraPlants of a region
- faunaAnimal life collectively
- scrublandArea of low shrubs
- chaparralDense, drought-adapted shrubbery
savanna · grassland · heathland · regeneration · seedbank · adaptation · undergrowth · biodiversity
Severe widespread destruction
- damageHarm or impairment
- lossBeing without something
- desolationState of complete emptiness
- ravageCause severe destruction
decimation · char · scorch · consumption · wreckage · ruin · deforestation · blight
Removal from danger
- sirensEmergency vehicle noisemakers
- alarmUrgent warning signal
- shelterProtected place or structure
- crisisDecisive dangerous moment
rescue · preparedness · firefighters · warnings · alerts · firetrucks
flames
Visible burning combustion
- blazeIntense burning fire
- infernoDevastating, uncontrollable blaze
- conflagrationLarge destructive blaze
combustion · embers · smoldering · kindling · flammable · fireline · firebreak · backburn · hotspot · scorched
haze
Murky atmospheric suspension
- ashCombustion's powdery remains
- sootCarbon from incomplete burning
- particulatesMinute airborne solids or droplets
visibility · inhalation · respiratory · embers · smoldering · plume · drift · choking
ecosystem
Interconnected organisms and surroundings
chaparral · savanna · grassland · heathland · regeneration · seedbank · adaptation · undergrowth · biodiversity · regrowth
devastation
Severe widespread destruction
- damageHarm or impairment
- lossBeing without something
- desolationState of complete emptiness
ravage · decimation · char · scorch · consumption · wreckage · ruin · deforestation · blight · aftermath
evacuation
Removal from danger
crisis · rescue · preparedness · firefighters · warnings · alerts · firetrucks
drought
Prolonged water scarcity
- lightningAtmospheric electrical discharge
- heatwaveProlonged abnormally high temperatures
- windAir current outdoors
aridity · humidity · temperature · tinderbox
brushfiresconflagrations
Large destructive fires
firestorms · megafires · crown fires · infernos · forest fires
brushfiresfloods
Overflowing onto dry land
deluges · rainstorms · monsoons · downpours · inundations