Conflagration

Etymology

Latin conflagration-, conflagratio, from conflagrare

• Date: 1600

Definitions

• 1 : fire; especially : a large disastrous fire
• 2 : a very intense and uncontrolled fire
• 2 : conflict, war

Description

Conflagration is an uncontrolled burning that threatens human life, health, property or ecology. A conflagration can be accidentally or intentionally created (arson). Arson can be accomplished for the purpose of sabotage, diversion, and also can be the consequence of pyromania. During conflagration the property is destroyed by fire. Sometimes the conflagration produces a firestorm, in which the central column of rising heated air induces strong inward winds, which supply oxygen to the fire.