This is the 9113th most frequent Japanese word.
火種
"火種" (hidane) means "embers" or "spark," often referring to a source of ignition or the cause of conflict/trouble.
In this sentence, '火種' is used metaphorically to refer to a potential cause or source of conflict or controversy.
その問題は明らかに火種となりうる状況でした。
That issue was clearly a situation that could become a spark.
Here, '火種' is used literally to refer to the material or spark required to ignite a fire.
彼はグリルの火種を作るのに必要な材料を集めていた。
He was gathering the materials needed to make a spark for the grill.
In this instance, '火種' symbolizes the catalyst or source for tension or discord within a group.