expression, noun
wildfire; spreading fire
Figurative expression for something that spreads rapidly and uncontrollably, like a wildfire. Often used in literary or formal contexts.
その噂は燎原の火のように広がった。
The rumor spread like wildfire.
野火 refers to a literal wildfire or bushfire, while 燎原の火 is a figurative expression emphasizing rapid, uncontrollable spread.
From Chinese classical literature, where 燎原 (liáoyuán) means 'to set the plains on fire'. The phrase 燎原の火 is a Japanese adaptation used figuratively.