conflagrations
Large destructive blazes
Conflagrations are large, destructive fires that spread rapidly and cause extensive damage.
The word carries more gravity than simply "fires"—it suggests something catastrophic and difficult to control, whether a wildfire consuming thousands of acres or an urban blaze leveling city blocks.
The conflagrations of 1906 destroyed much of San Francisco.
The term sometimes extends metaphorically to describe explosive social or political upheaval.
Devastating, uncontrollable blaze
- blazeIntense burning fire
- wildfireUncontrolled vegetation blaze
- firestormSelf-perpetuating intense blaze
- devastationSevere widespread destruction
destruction · catastrophe · holocaust · tragedy · evacuation · emergency · burning · ravage
1666 catastrophic urban blaze
- Chicago Fire1871 Midwest urban disaster
- DresdenSaxon capital city
- NeroTyrannical first-century ruler
- siegeEncirclement forcing surrender
wartime · bombing · incendiary · aerial bombardment · scorched earth · Sherman · Atlanta · library of Alexandria
inferno
Devastating, uncontrollable blaze
- blazeIntense burning fire
- wildfireUncontrolled vegetation blaze
- firestormSelf-perpetuating intense blaze
devastation · destruction · catastrophe · holocaust · tragedy · evacuation · emergency · burning · ravage · ruin
Great Fire of London
1666 catastrophic urban blaze
- Chicago Fire1871 Midwest urban disaster
- DresdenSaxon capital city
- NeroTyrannical first-century ruler
siege · wartime · bombing · incendiary · aerial bombardment · scorched earth · Sherman · Atlanta · library of Alexandria · Reichstag
apocalyptic
Pertaining to ultimate devastation
purgatory · damnation · biblical · Sodom · Gomorrah · epic · dramatic · cataclysmic · vivid · imagery
upheaval
Violent disturbance of order
- revolutionViolent governmental overthrow
- turmoilViolent disturbance or confusion
- unrestState of public disturbance
uprising · warfare · eruption · explosion · crisis · chaos · strife · outburst · escalation · tension
conflagrationsembers
Smoldering fire remnants
sparks · flickers · campfires · candles · pilot lights
conflagrationssalvations
Acts of being rescued
preservations · rescues · protections · safety · containments
conflagrationsfloods
Overflowing onto dry land
deluges · inundations · torrents · downpours · ice storms