05/03/2025
This year, we've heard some confusion around the word wildfire.
"That's not a wildfire, that's a human caused fire."
"Wildfire is a term made up by the media."
"That's a FOREST FIRE."
"If it is wild that means its out of control!"
Let's get down to the basics and break down the word.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the earliest use of the word is in the old english period, pre-1150. The word compounds two words: wild refers to the location, "living in a state of nature" and fire refers to, well, fire, "combustion or burning."
To address the above statements.
Is it still a wildfire if it is human caused? Yes. A wildfire can have many causes, the most common in B.C. is lightning, but other human causes include irresponsible open-burning, industrial activity, vehicles, trains and more.
Is wildfire a made up term to stoke fear? No. It is a word that has been used for hundreds of years.
Is it a wildfire if it is burning in a specific fuel type? Yes. It is called a wildfire no matter what it is burning, be it grass, timber or muskeg. This is why we use the word wildfire instead of forest fire, it encompasses more.
Does calling it a wildfire mean it's totally out of control? No. We use four stages of control to classify wildfires. Whether they are out of control, being held, or out, they are still wildfires.
We use specific words so we can all share a common language and have a common understanding.
Want to learn more about wildfire lingo? Check out our glossary here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/about-bcws/glossary