firestorm

American  

[fahyuhr-stawrm] / ˈfaɪərˌstɔrm /

Or fire storm

noun

1. an atmospheric phenomenon, caused by a large fire, in which the rising column of air above the fire draws in strong winds often accompanied by rain.

2. a raging fire of great intensity, as one fueled by oil or gas, that spreads rapidly.

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firestorm British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌstɔːm /

noun

1. an uncontrollable blaze sustained by violent winds that are drawn into the column of rising hot air over the burning area: often the result of heavy bombing

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Etymology

Origin of firestorm

First recorded in 1575–85; fire + storm

Example Sentences

The joke got laughs but ignited a firestorm.

From Salon

But decades on from that firestorm, parts of the scandal seem downright quaint.

From The Wall Street Journal

As victims of last January’s firestorm continue to fight to rebuild and recover, the bigger picture may provide a sense of hope.

From Los Angeles Times

But then Southern California experienced one of the driest periods on record in the fall and winter of 2024, which enabled the subsequent devastation of January 2025’s firestorm.

From Los Angeles Times

“As a person who wants to return to this community but not be stupid to return ... I want answers,” Clayton-Johnson told a crowd gathered at Fair Oaks Burger, an Altadena staple that survived the firestorm.

From Los Angeles Times