megafire
/ˈmɛɡəˌfaɪər/
Definition
An exceptionally large, intense, and destructive wildland fire that is difficult to contain and causes extensive environmental or property damage.
Etymology
The word is a modern compound formed by combining the prefix 'mega-' (from Greek 'megas', meaning 'great' or 'large') with the noun 'fire'. It emerged in recent decades to describe the increased scale and severity of contemporary wildfires compared to historical norms.
In the news
The article describes a new era of megafires in the Western US driven by climate change, vegetation changes, and development in wilderness areas. These fires are highlighted as a primary environmental crisis requiring urgent mitigation and policy intervention.
Megafires, Land Use, and Climate Change
Read the full article ↗The Equation - Union of Concerned Scientists