ScienceJuly 7, 2026
conflagration
/ˌkɑn.fləˈɡreɪ.ʃən/
Definition
A large, destructive, and uncontrollable fire that spreads rapidly over a wide area.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'conflagrare,' meaning to burn up entirely, which combines 'con-' (together) and 'flagrare' (to blaze). It entered English in the early 16th century to describe intense, widespread fires.
In the news
The word is used to describe the massive, damaging wildfires currently burning across Utah and Colorado. It emphasizes the scale and intensity of these events beyond typical forest fires.
Megafires, Land Use, and Climate Change
Read the full article ↗The Equation - Union of Concerned Scientists