DCHP-1 Online
backfire ((n.)) † 
n. a fire deliberately set in an attempt to prevent the spread of a prairie or forest fire by burning off the area in front of it.
- 1905 (1910) Suddenly the fire appeared . . . rushing down with hurricane force, and jumping the back-fire Mr. Conradi had made. . . .
- 1959 . . . while setting a backfire against a prairie fire . . . he . . . thought, "I'd sure love to own a farm right here."
- 1905 (1910) Suddenly the fire appeared . . . rushing down with hurricane force, and jumping the back-fire Mr. Conradi had made. . . .