How fire can become widespread (4)

I believe the answer is:

rife

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'widespread' is the definition.
(rife can mean widespread or universal)

'how fire can' is the wordplay.
'fire' can be anagrammed to 'RIFE'.
Though, I am unsure how the anagram is indicated.

'become' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rife that I've seen before include "Prevalent" , "Endemic" , "Abounding" , "Excessively abundant" , "Overabundant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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