An uncontrolled fire that spreads rapidly across forests, grasslands, or other natural areas, or anything that spreads very quickly like a rumor.
Compound of 'wild' (untamed, natural) and 'fire.' The literal meaning dates to Middle English, but the metaphorical sense of 'spreading rapidly' became common in the 20th century when news travels fast.
Wildfires create their own weather systems and weather patterns—they can generate lightning, whirlwinds, and push smoke across entire continents, making them so powerful they literally shape the atmosphere around them.
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