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
In comparison, from 2016 to 2021, the state averaged a little under 1,300 wildfires during the same time of the year, statistics from the department’s fire reporting system show.
—
Megan Vaz, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026
In January 2025, the food bank saw an uptick in demand when thousands of Angelenos were displaced by wildfires.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Florida has already seen significant fire activity this year — nearly 2,000 wildfires have started since January, cumulatively burning more than 120,000 acres.
—Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 14 May 2026
There are currently four active wildfires in California.
—Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026
The burn ban was put in place on April 22, when Kemp declared a state of emergency across 91 counties in South Georgia at high risk for wildfires.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 13 May 2026
This week’s rain can help crews tame a couple of wildfires that were menacing parts of South Miami-Dade and West Broward.
—Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Extreme weather, including wildfires and flooding, will continue to affect our communities in San Diego and around the country.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
In Maui, Hawaii, Maui Mall Village hosts the Maui Food Bank Holiday Drive to combat food insecurity, which has been a major local challenge following the wildfires in 2023.
—Kristin Mueller, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Megan Vaz, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026
In January 2025, the food bank saw an uptick in demand when thousands of Angelenos were displaced by wildfires.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Florida has already seen significant fire activity this year — nearly 2,000 wildfires have started since January, cumulatively burning more than 120,000 acres.
—Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 14 May 2026
There are currently four active wildfires in California.
—Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026
The burn ban was put in place on April 22, when Kemp declared a state of emergency across 91 counties in South Georgia at high risk for wildfires.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 13 May 2026
This week’s rain can help crews tame a couple of wildfires that were menacing parts of South Miami-Dade and West Broward.
—Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Extreme weather, including wildfires and flooding, will continue to affect our communities in San Diego and around the country.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
In Maui, Hawaii, Maui Mall Village hosts the Maui Food Bank Holiday Drive to combat food insecurity, which has been a major local challenge following the wildfires in 2023.
—Kristin Mueller, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wildfires
Noun
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According to reporting by local media outlets, firefighters from multiple departments are working together to battle the two blazes.—
Bianca Harris,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
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The blazes generate a complex cocktail of compounds, including ground-level ozone, one of the main ingredients in smog.—
Joanna Thompson,
Space.com,
12 May 2026
Noun
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Now, infernos sweep through populous towns and cities.—
Susie Neilson,
San Francisco Chronicle,
2 July 2025
Noun
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Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls Summer brings swimmers, bikers, and other outdoors enthusiasts to this popular four-season resort; in winter, ski lifts transform into scenic rides, and families enjoy Saturday night bonfires with s'mores.—
Jess Hoffert,
Midwest Living,
9 May 2026
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Others kick things up by arranging private beach bonfires in the evening, catamaran outings by day, surf lessons with Engstrom Surf, and even customized tarot card readings.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wildfires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wildfires. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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