Which word would you use to describe a fire that causes significant damage?

The term "conflagration" is the most appropriate choice to describe a fire that causes significant damage. A conflagration typically refers to a large and destructive fire that can engulf buildings, forests, or other substantial areas, leading to extensive devastation. This word captures the severity and scale of the fire, distinguishing it from smaller or less impactful types of fires.

In comparison, "flare" suggests a brief burst of flame or light, which does not imply the level of destruction associated with a conflagration. "Ember" refers to a small, glowing piece of coal or wood in a dying fire, which also does not convey significant destruction. Similarly, "spark" denotes a tiny particle of burning material that can ignite a fire but does not reflect a large-scale damaging event. Therefore, "conflagration" accurately encapsulates the concept of a damaging fire and is the ideal choice in this context.