Wildfire
The word "wildfire" originated as a synonym for Greek fire, a napalm-like substance used in medieval Europe as a naval weapon; the word attained its present meaning by a common misunderstanding of the expression "spread like wildfire".
Wildfires are common in many places around the world, including much of the vegetated areas of Australia, 'veld' in the interior and 'fynbos' in the Western Cape of South Africa, forest areas of the United States and Canada, where the climates are sufficiently moist to allow the growth of trees, but feature extended dry, hot periods when fallen branches, leaves, and other material can dry out and become highly flammable. Wildfires are also common in grasslands and scrublands. Wildfires tend to be most common and severe during years of drought and occur on days of strong winds.