controlled fire

[/kənˈtroʊld ˈfaɪər/]
nounpl: controlled fires
fogo controlado
1. A deliberately set fire managed and contained within predetermined boundaries for purposes such as land management, forest health, or tactical military operations
The forest service conducted a controlled fire to reduce the buildup of dead wood and prevent catastrophic wildfires.
O serviço florestal realizou um fogo controlado para reduzir o acúmulo de madeira morta e prevenir incêndios catastróficos.
2. In military context, gunfire that is directed and managed to hit specific targets while minimizing collateral damage
The soldiers maintained controlled fire on the enemy position throughout the engagement.
Os soldados mantiveram fogo controlado na posição inimiga durante todo o combate.
3. Fire management technique used in agriculture and land conservation to maintain ecosystem health
Indigenous communities have used controlled fire for thousands of years to manage their lands.
Comunidades indígenas usaram fogo controlado por milhares de anos para gerenciar suas terras.
In Brazil, controlled fires are increasingly important for managing cerrado (savanna) ecosystems and preventing devastating wildfires, particularly in states like Mato Grosso and Tocantins. In the USA, the practice has gained renewed attention as a climate adaptation strategy. Portugal uses controlled burns extensively to reduce wildfire risk in Mediterranean forests. The term reflects growing global awareness of fire's ecological role when managed properly.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
prescribed fireprescribed burnmanaged firedeliberate fire
Antonyms / Antônimos
wildfireuncontrolled firerogue fire

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
fogo controlado
Standard term used in forestry and military contexts throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
fogo controlado
Common usage in discussions about fire prevention in Atlantic Forest regions
São Paulo
fogo controlado; queimada controlada
Both terms used interchangeably in agricultural and conservation contexts
Portugal
fogo controlado; queima controlada
Used in forestry management, particularly relevant in Alentejo and Algarve regions prone to wildfires

Related Words

fire managementprescribed burningsuppressionfirebreakcontainment

Related Idioms & Phrases

to set a controlled fire
controlled fire strategy
maintain controlled fire
conduct a controlled burn
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →