wildfire

Everyday

1. A wildfire is a big fire that spreads out of control through forests, bush or grassland. tree →
2. «Spread like wildfire» means spread very quickly, like news or a rumour. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and safety lessons, wildfires (called bushfires in Australia and New Zealand, forest fires or brush fires in North America) happen most in hot, dry, windy weather; lightning, campfires, sparks, cigarettes and arson can start them. Safety: follow fire bans, never leave a campfire, know your family's fire plan, and leave early when told to evacuate. Firefighters fight them from the ground and from the air. Phrases: «spread like wildfire», «wildfire season», «wildfire smoke».

Examples

• The wildfire spread quickly across the dry hills. tree →
• Firefighters dropped water on the wildfire from planes. tree →
• Many animals ran from the wildfire. tree →
• Smoke from the wildfire made the sky orange. tree →
• The rumour spread like wildfire through the school. tree →
• Never leave a campfire burning, because it could start a wildfire. tree →
• Our family has a plan in case of a wildfire. tree →
• Wildfires are more common in hot, dry summers. tree →

Note

One word. In Australia people usually say «bushfire». Some forests need small natural fires to stay healthy, but wildfires near homes are very dangerous. «Spread like wildfire» is about speed, not about real fire.