When discussing fire, what is meant by 'conflagration'?

The term 'conflagration' specifically refers to a fire that is extensive, widespread, and particularly destructive. It conveys the idea of a significant event involving fire, often implying that it is larger than a typical fire and has the potential to cause considerable damage to property, environment, and life. The connotation of the word strongly suggests a situation where the fire is raging out of control, leading to a high level of devastation. This is different from a small fire or mild blaze, which would imply a contained and less impactful scenario, and from a controlled fire, which suggests intentional management of flames for safety or practical purposes. Thus, the choice highlighting a widespread and destructive fire accurately captures the essence of what 'conflagration' means in the context of discussing fire.