forest fire
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forest fire
A large, uncontrolled fire in a forest or wooded area.
Wegen der langen Trockenheit ist die Gefahr von Waldbränden aktuell sehr hoch.
Because of the long dry spell, the risk of forest fires is currently very high.
The word is a clear compound of 'der Wald' (forest) and 'der Brand' (fire). So it literally describes a fire in the forest.
Ein Blitzschlag kann einen Waldbrand auslösen.
A lightning strike can start a forest fire.
Certain verbs are often used in connection with 'Waldbrand' (forest fire). A fire 'bricht aus' (breaks out), the fire department 'löscht' (extinguishes) or 'bekämpft' (fights) it, and carelessness can 'verursachen' (cause) a forest fire.
Die Feuerwehrleute kämpften tagelang gegen den riesigen Waldbrand.
The firefighters fought the huge forest fire for days.
A very common combination is 'die Gefahr von Waldbränden' (the risk of forest fires). This phrase is often used in news reports or warnings in the summer.
Die Behörden warnen vor einer erhöhten Gefahr von Waldbränden.
The authorities are warning of an increased risk of forest fires.
fire
'das Feuer' and 'der Waldbrand' both have to do with flames and heat. 'Feuer' is the general word: it can be small and controlled, for example in a fireplace, or dangerous and destructive. 'Waldbrand' is much more specific: it means an uncontrolled fire in a forest or wooded area. Learners may confuse the words when talking about a fire in nature. If the forest is burning, 'Waldbrand' is more precise; if you are talking generally about flames, 'Feuer' fits.
Wegen der langen Trockenheit breitete sich der Waldbrand schnell aus.
Because of the long dry spell, the forest fire spread quickly.
Im Garten brannte am Abend ein kleines Feuer in der Feuerschale.
In the evening, a small fire was burning in the fire bowl in the garden.