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 more recent years, fire policies have been based mostly in suppression, researchers say, which have led to bigger wildfires.
—
Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 9 Nov. 2025
All active wildfires are shown.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025
The drought has also set the stage for devastating wildfires in Brazil that have destroyed huge swaths of the Amazon as well as the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetlands, and choked cities in thick smoke.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
Domestically, places that made the list include Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (impressive arts and culture); Maui, Hawaii (recovering after the 2023 wildfires) and the Badlands of North Dakota (the soon-to-open Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library).
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025
On January 17, ABC News and KABC joined forces for SoCal Strong, a day-long, multi-platform initiative focused on hope, recovery and rebuilding in the wake of the devastating wildfires.
—ABC News, 5 Nov. 2025
British fire crews have been hampered by the presence of unexploded bombs when dealing with wildfires sparked during military training sessions.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
She’s written loads for a sophomore album, inspired by her family’s experience evacuating their Palisades neighborhood as wildfires swept through Los Angeles in January.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in mitigating the risk of wildfires during these perilous conditions.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 9 Nov. 2025
All active wildfires are shown.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025
The drought has also set the stage for devastating wildfires in Brazil that have destroyed huge swaths of the Amazon as well as the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetlands, and choked cities in thick smoke.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
Domestically, places that made the list include Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (impressive arts and culture); Maui, Hawaii (recovering after the 2023 wildfires) and the Badlands of North Dakota (the soon-to-open Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library).
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025
On January 17, ABC News and KABC joined forces for SoCal Strong, a day-long, multi-platform initiative focused on hope, recovery and rebuilding in the wake of the devastating wildfires.
—ABC News, 5 Nov. 2025
British fire crews have been hampered by the presence of unexploded bombs when dealing with wildfires sparked during military training sessions.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
She’s written loads for a sophomore album, inspired by her family’s experience evacuating their Palisades neighborhood as wildfires swept through Los Angeles in January.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in mitigating the risk of wildfires during these perilous conditions.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wildfires
Noun
-
Five car fires occurred between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day in neighborhoods near Fox Run Park, and investigators have reason to believe the blazes are linked, the Fire Department told the Star-Telegram.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Jan. 2026
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The proclamation also mentions the Tubbs, Camp and North Complex blazes of recent years.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The list of family-friendly activities includes beach bonfires, surfing lessons, movies on the beach, virtual reality snorkeling, resort tours, and bike rentals.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Ehnes-Giles was a beloved mother, daughter and sister who enjoyed bonfires, July 4 and joking around with her siblings, according to an online obituary.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
PEOPLE,
30 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wildfires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wildfires. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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