A new study found 31% fewer wildfires in the American West from 2007-2020 compared to 1992-2006, but the total burned area increased by 40% as individual fires grew much larger and more destructive.
- Large fires over 25,000 acres increased by 63%, while mega-fires over 125,000 acres jumped 136%.
- Natural wildfires burned 84% more area due to drier vegetation and warmer temperatures extending into fall.
- Human-caused fires now start an average of 12 days earlier due to drier spring conditions.
- Fall wildfire activity increased by 68% as dry conditions persist longer into the year.
- The study suggests fire prevention strategies are working to reduce fire numbers, but climate conditions are making individual fires more severe.
Source: Gearjunkie
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