brush fire

¹

noun

1. a fire in an area of bushes, shrubs, or brush, as distinct from a forest fire.

2. any small but persistent problem, as within a large organization, a department of a government, or between nations.

   border skirmishes and other international brush fires.

brush-fire

²

Or brush·fire

[bruhsh-fahy^uhr]

adjective

1. limited in scope, area, or importance, as some labor disputes or local skirmishes.

brush fire

noun

1. a fire in bushes and scrub

2. a minor local war

Word History and Origins

Origin of brush fire¹

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80

Origin of brush fire²

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

A brush fire ignited near homes in San Diego County on Monday afternoon, damaging multiple structures and prompting evacuation orders in the surrounding community of Lakeside.

From Los Angeles Times

Fire crews quickly converged on a brush fire that ignited Tuesday evening in the Hollywood Hills below several homes, according to L.A. fire officials.

From Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Fire Department crews stopped a brush fire that broke out Monday afternoon in Sherman Oaks.

From Los Angeles Times

Several lanes of the 5 Freeway were shutdown in the Tejon Pass Thursday morning after a brush fire broke out in the hills next to the freeway.

From Los Angeles Times

Light winds fanned a brush fire in Highland Park on Wednesday afternoon, and one firefighter was injured responding to the blaze in the summer heat.

From Los Angeles Times