Widespread fire broke out (4)

I believe the answer is:

rife

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'widespread' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'fire broke out' is the wordplay.
'fire' anagrams to 'RIFE'.
Though, I am not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

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

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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