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
One year after two major wildfires tore through opposite sides of Los Angeles County, recovery for thousands of families remains far from complete.
—
Sarah Alegre, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
The 2026 contest to represent the state with the fourth-largest economy in the world was largely overshadowed last year because of wildfires, immigration raids and the special election to redraw California congressional districts.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
How is a case study on the future of wildfires speaking to a love story between theoretical physicists?
—Laura Dave, Time, 10 Jan. 2026
Prescribed fires help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
He's been full throttle since he was elected governor seven years ago, leading the state through COVID-19, two school shootings, and four of the most destructive wildfires in Colorado history.
—Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Permit and plan check fees associated with the repair or reconstruction of homes damaged or destroyed by the wildfires have been paused since April 2025.
—City News Service, Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
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
People living in areas deemed at high risk for wildfires are facing pricier policies or the loss of coverage as companies try to limit their exposure.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025
Sarah Alegre, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
The 2026 contest to represent the state with the fourth-largest economy in the world was largely overshadowed last year because of wildfires, immigration raids and the special election to redraw California congressional districts.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
How is a case study on the future of wildfires speaking to a love story between theoretical physicists?
—Laura Dave, Time, 10 Jan. 2026
Prescribed fires help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
He's been full throttle since he was elected governor seven years ago, leading the state through COVID-19, two school shootings, and four of the most destructive wildfires in Colorado history.
—Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Permit and plan check fees associated with the repair or reconstruction of homes damaged or destroyed by the wildfires have been paused since April 2025.
—City News Service, Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
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
People living in areas deemed at high risk for wildfires are facing pricier policies or the loss of coverage as companies try to limit their exposure.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wildfires
Noun
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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
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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
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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 14 Jan. 2026.
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