Wildfire

A wildfire, also known as a forest fire, vegetation fire, grass fire, brush fire, bushfire (in Australasia), or hill fire, is an uncontrolled fire often occurring in wildland areas, but which can also consume houses or agricultural resources. Common causes include lightning, human carelessness and arson.Drought and the prevention of small forest fires are major contributors to extreme forest fires.

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.