set fire

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

British troops set fire to the White House and other public buildings in August 1814 as part of the Burning of Washington.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

Soon after, Duverne tried to set fire to an emergency light in an elevator vestibule, Lalaind added.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The strikes late Saturday set fire to oil-storage tanks at a refinery south of the Iranian capital, prompting Iran to advise citizens there to stay in their homes to avoid the resulting air pollution.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

I might just as well set fire to my money.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 23, 2025

“Alfred,” she said, “don’t talk foolishly. What if a robot came upon a madman about to set fire to a house with people in it. He would stop the madman, wouldn’t he?”

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov