"Wildfire" and "blaze": the burning difference

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 22/03/2025, 06:50

English.me team member

Wildfire and blaze. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "wildfire" and "blaze" refer to intense fires that can spread rapidly and cause significant damage. They are associated with large, uncontrolled fires that often require firefighting efforts to suppress.

What is different?

"Wildfire" specifically denotes a large, destructive fire that spreads quickly over woodland, brush, or grassland areas in the wild. It is typically caused by natural phenomena or human activities in rural areas. "Blaze", on the other hand, is a more general term used to describe any fierce fire, not necessarily in wild areas. It can refer to fires in urban settings, structures, or even be used metaphorically to describe something displaying intense emotion or brilliance.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Wildfire

The wildfire consumed thousands of acres of forest within days.
Authorities issued evacuation orders as the wildfire approached the town.
Prolonged dry conditions have increased the likelihood of wildfires this season.

Blaze

Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze at the factory.
A cozy blaze crackled in the fireplace on the cold winter night.
Her eyes were a blaze of determination as she accepted the challenge.