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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

firestorm

Reviews of last year’s firestorm revealed critical failures to pre-stage resources, especially in the Palisades where no engines were deployed in advance of the fire’s start, despite warnings of extreme weather.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026

Do we think Ossoff meant to trigger the firestorm he did?

From Slate ● Aug. 21, 2026

Stephen A. Smith added more fuel to the firestorm centered on his clash with a Black journalist organization critical of his comments about Black female politicians by complaining to Fox News about the group.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026

Tucakovic said the firestorm burned through "everything in their path" as officials confirmed flames, fanned by strong winds, engulfed 1,000 hectares in just four hours.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

I had wanted to get us out of the water two hours before, but we kept hearing the sound of falling trees and the crackling remnants of the terrible firestorm.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken

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