A
conflagration is a large and destructive
fire that threatens human life, animal life, health, and/or property. It may also be described as a
blaze or simply a (large)
fire. A conflagration can be accidentally begun, naturally caused (
wildfire), or intentionally created (
arson). Arson can be for fraud, murder, sabotage or diversion, or due to a person's
pyromania. A
firestorm can form as a consequence of a very large fire, in which the central column of rising heated air induces strong inward winds, which supply
oxygen to the fire. Conflagrations can cause
casualties including deaths or injuries from
burns,
trauma due to collapse of structures and attempts to escape, and
smoke inhalation.