wildfire

/ˈwaɪldˌfaɪər/
noun
  1. A large, destructive fire that spreads quickly over a natural area like a forest or grassland.
    • Climate change has made wildfires more frequent and intense in many regions.
    • The wildfire burned thousands of acres of forest last summer.
    • Firefighters worked day and night to contain the wildfire before it reached the town.
  2. Something that spreads very quickly and widely, like news, rumors, or trends.
    • The new dance challenge caught on like wildfire among teenagers.
    • Rumors about the company's bankruptcy spread like wildfire through the office.
    • News of the celebrity's engagement spread like wildfire on social media.