also: きゅうび
noun
sudden fire; nearby fire
Refers to a fire that breaks out unexpectedly or a fire in the vicinity. Often used in warnings or news reports.
急火に備えて消火器を設置した。
We installed a fire extinguisher in case of a sudden fire.
近所で急火が発生し、一時騒然となった。
A nearby fire broke out, causing a temporary commotion.
火事 is the general word for a fire (conflagration), while 急火 emphasizes the suddenness or proximity of the fire.
Compound of 急 (sudden) and 火 (fire). The reading きゅうか is the standard on'yomi combination; きゅうび is an alternative on'yomi reading for 火.