Burns, but is no towering inferno (5)

I believe the answer is:

sears

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'burns' is the definition.
(I know this)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for sears that I've seen before include "Superficially burns" , "Scorches or burns the surface of" , "Makes very hot and dry" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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