brush fire

¹ American  

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.

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brush-fire ² American  

[bruhsh-fahy^uhr] / ˈbrʌʃˌfaɪər /

Or brushfire

adjective

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

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brush fire British  

noun

1. a fire in bushes and scrub

2. a minor local war

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Etymology

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 • Sep. 8, 2025

A brush fire ignited Friday evening near Jurupa Valley, prompting evacuation orders in the nearby communities of Jurupa Hills and Sunnyslope.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 25, 2025

A brush fire ignited in mountain foothills in Riverside County on Wednesday afternoon, quickly growing to 331 acres and prompting evacuation orders in nearby rural communities, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 16, 2025

Word of Katherine not feeling well gets around quicker than a brush fire in August.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland