In British Columbia, over 500 wildfires are currently active, with firefighters battling blazes in three main areas. The region is experiencing its third-worst fire season on record, with 840 fires breaking out since April 1. Firefighting costs have reached $172.5 million, with close to 4,000 personnel working to contain the flames.
A new study reveals that the Atlantic and Pacific ocean temperatures play a significant role in droughts and wildfires in southwestern North America. The research shows that the large-scale difference between the two oceans enhances the risk for drought and wildfire in the region.
Researchers in Oklahoma compared measured soil moisture with the Keetch-Byram Drought index and found that high-quality soil moisture data consistently outperformed KBDI. Soil moisture conditions conducive to large wildfires were more narrowly defined, providing earlier warnings of extreme wildfire potential.
UCSB researchers are evaluating urban wildfire patterns and resilience strategies using a $1.5 million National Science Foundation grant, integrating atmospheric, fire-spread, and transportation models to enhance the understanding of extreme fire weather regimes and wildfire behavior in the wildland-urban interface.
Researchers have found that significant amounts of black carbon can persist in both pristine and non-pristine areas of snow, impacting climate change predictions. The study used molecular analysis to track the origins of black carbon, finding evidence of wildfires burning thousands of miles away in remote areas.
A study by researchers from the USDA Forest Service and the University of Minnesota found that controlled burns did not lead to increased mercury levels in yellow perch, contradicting previous mixed results. The research also showed no significant disruption to watershed food webs.
A UM chemist will lead a three-year research project studying the chemical composition and evolution of western wildfire smoke. The study aims to improve understanding of the impact of VOCs on air quality, climate, and human health.
Researchers deployed planes to measure chemicals and particles in real-time, discovering a significant increase in fine particle levels. The study's findings highlight the importance of prescribed burns as a potentially effective strategy for reducing wildfire pollution.
Researchers found that brown carbon released into the air from wildfires is more likely to travel to the upper levels of the atmosphere, where it can cool or warm the air. Brown carbon appears more likely than black carbon to have a greater impact on climate due to its altitude.
A new study finds that high-severity fires in a warming climate can limit the ability of Western conifer forests to recover, potentially transforming landscapes from forested to shrub-dominated systems. The researchers found that hardwood trees and shrubs quickly establish after fire, while conifers struggle to compete.
A team of researchers led by Colorado State University is conducting a comprehensive study to better understand how wildfire smoke changes chemically with time, affecting air quality across the US. The study aims to improve predictions of air quality and weather patterns.
Researchers found that human-ignited wildfires accounted for 84% of all US wildfires over a 21-year period, tripling the length of the average fire season. The study highlights the importance of considering where ignitions start and how they contribute to wildfire risk.
A recent analysis reveals that human-started fires account for 84% of all wildfires, tripled the length of the fire season, and dominated an area seven times greater than lightning-caused fires. Human ignitions have expanded the fire niche into areas with historically low lightning strike density.
The new Cheyenne supercomputer provides a major tool for advancing understanding of the atmospheric and related Earth system sciences. Scientists will use it to study phenomena such as wildfires and seismic activity, leading to better protecting society from natural disasters.
A new study found that trees worldwide develop thicker bark when living in fire-prone areas, suggesting bark thickness could predict which forests will survive a warmer climate. Trees in fire-prone regions have thicker bark than those in tropical rainforests, indicating a link between bark thickness and fire resistance.
A recent NASA study found a significant correlation between wildfires and drought in northern sub-Saharan Africa. The research, led by Charles Ichoku, used satellite records to analyze the impact of fires on water cycle indicators, revealing that burning suppresses precipitation in the region.
A study in California found that high-severity wildfires hinder natural conifer regeneration, with only 60% of plots showing seedling growth five to seven years after fire. A new tool developed by researchers can help foresters prioritize which lands to replant and when.
Two new studies in the Journal of Quaternary Science refute the impact theory on abrupt climate change, citing flawed evidence and misidentifications. The research challenges two key lines of argument supporting the impact hypothesis, including nanodiamond concentrations and wildfire interpretations.
Wildfires in Indonesia and Borneo exposed 69 million people to unhealthy air pollution, resulting in thousands of premature deaths. The study estimates that between 6,150 and 17,270 premature deaths occurred due to breathing in the polluted air.
Researchers found that managing wildfires instead of suppressing them improves forest diversity, water storage, and drought resistance. This approach increases stream flow and downstream water availability, benefiting both the environment and agriculture.
Researchers identified hundreds of western US counties with high risk of exposure to wildfire smoke, affecting up to 82 million people by 2051. The study found that climate change will cause longer, more intense, and frequent 'smoke waves' impacting children, seniors, and communities.
A new Yale-led study estimates that by mid-century, over 82 million people will experience 'smoke waves,' or consecutive days with high air pollution related to fires. The regions likely to receive the highest exposure include northern California, western Oregon, and the Great Plains.
Scientists at Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation discovered wildfire changes in cave dripwater chemistry, which will be preserved in stalagmites. The study highlights the need to carefully interpret dripwater data, including trace metals, to avoid wrongly attributing climate change.
A new study projects a four percent increase in acres burned by wildfire in the Southeast by 2060, with substantial uncertainties and variations by state and ecoregion. Climate change models and societal changes, including land use and population growth, are key drivers of this projected increase.
Researchers have found that Antarctic lakes are repositories for ancient soot from wildfires, dating back over 2,500 years. The study also indicates a more recent increase in dissolved black carbon from fossil fuel burning, which may be caused by helicopter emissions or long-range transport of carbon.
Severe air quality issues persist in Fort McMurray due to ongoing wildfires, with a Health Quality Index of 10+ reported in the region. The fire, covering over 522,892 hectares, remains out of control, prompting evacuation orders for multiple communities.
Fires continued to burn in the Fort McMurray area, forcing a total of 15 wildfires with three out of control, spanning over 284,214 hectares. Firefighters battled the fires using 1,919 personnel, 161 helicopters, and heavy equipment.
A study by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Swedish-US partners found that demographic development has a significant impact on wildfires, with population growth reducing fire frequency. However, this does not mean the risk of fires will decrease, as growing population density in fire-susceptible regions increases the risk.
Researchers project a fourfold increase in fire probability by century's end, with tundra and forest-tundra boundary most vulnerable. Increased fires could release stored carbon into atmosphere, exacerbating global warming.
A new study examines human behavior's impact on wildfires in California, finding that it explains as much about their frequency and location as climate change. The researchers recommend considering both climate change and human variables for future models to accurately predict wildfire risks.
A seismic network in Nevada is being used to monitor wildfires and provide early intelligence on more than 25 fires during the last fire season. The technology has the potential to remake firefighting by allowing for tactical suppression and scaling resources appropriately, saving time and money.
Research by University of Arizona geoscientists finds post-wildfire erosion dominates landscape transformation in the US Intermountain West. Erosion rates increased 1,000 to 10,000 times in burned watersheds compared to unburned areas after severe wildfires.
Research assistant professor Ezra Wood will investigate nighttime atmospheric chemistry of wildfires and their effect on climate. The study aims to quantify hydrogen oxide radicals and understand how long compounds last in the air.
Researchers created a European-scale map of wildland-urban areas to predict fire risk, finding that regions with high WUI areas are more prone to catastrophic large wildfires. The study highlights the need for local authorities to prioritize fire risk control and develop better forest fire management strategies in high-risk areas.
Scientists create a computer simulation that grows realistic forests down to individual trees to predict how climate-related changes will affect fire rates, plant growth, and forest recovery in Quebec hardwood forests. The 'LES' model can help identify necessary species for reestablishing forests after wildfires and other disturbances.
A team of researchers from University of Idaho calls for a national priority on preparing for and adapting to wildfires, which burned over 10.1 million acres in 2015. They propose five Wildfire Grand Challenges to help communities become more resilient to wildfire effects.
The 2015 El Nino event is expected to bring more precipitation to California, with atmospheric rivers intensifying and potentially causing flooding. Meanwhile, the risk of wildfires in tropical regions increases due to reduced rainfall, which can exacerbate carbon dioxide buildup and air quality issues.
A global climate shift occurred in the late 1980s, triggered by anthropogenic warming and a volcanic eruption, resulting in significant changes in Earth's biophysical systems. The study found a 60% increase in winter river flow and a 400% increase in wildfires in the Western United States.
Wildfires on Arctic tundra can contribute to permafrost thaw, changing ecosystems and affecting downstream waters. Researchers used lidar data to document thawing in the Anaktuvuk River fire's footprint, observing thermokarst and irregular topography.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that wildfires on the Arctic tundra can cause significant permafrost thaw, with about a third of the fire's footprint experiencing thawing. This effect is similar to those observed in boreal forests where burns are more common.
A new study warns that wildfires may double soil erosion in some western US states by 2050, degrading water quality and affecting aquatic life. The increase in wildfires due to climate change is projected to cause at least a 100% increase in erosion in a quarter of western watersheds.
A new study led by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found no correlation between spruce beetle infestation and severe fire damage in the region. The study suggests that factors like topography and weather conditions play a larger role in determining fire severity.
A new study suggests that large fires will continue to increase as a result of climate warming, citing evidence from charcoal deposits in lakes near Mount Zirkel Wilderness in northern Colorado. The research found that even modest regional warming trends can cause exceptionally large areas to be burned by wildfires.
Researchers propose using prescribed fires, mechanical thinning, and less suppression of wildfires in specific conditions to restore resilient forests. This approach could reduce catastrophic fires and their costly consequences.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $27.5 million in research grants to study ways to predict and respond to natural disasters. Researchers will focus on topics such as hurricane risk assessment, wildfire resilience and drought policy.
A new study reveals that Southern California wildfires have two distinct personalities, with Santa Ana winds-driven fires being more damaging due to faster spread, urban burns, and higher economic losses. Climate change is expected to fan flames for the region, increasing fire risk from hot summers.
Researchers examine differences between Southern California's summer and Santa Ana fires, which exhibit split personalities due to climate-driven conditions. Climate change increases the risk of both fire types, with non-Santa-Ana summer fires becoming more prevalent.
Researchers analyzed data from Australia's 2006-2007 wildfires and found exposure to wildfire smoke was associated with increased hospital emergency department visits for asthma. Fine particulates in wildfire smoke are easily inhaled and remain deep in the lungs, causing harmful health effects.
Researchers will investigate greenhouse gas exchanges, permafrost thawing, and wildlife habitat changes in the Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE). The study aims to better understand the ecological impacts of climate change on forests, wildlife, and communities in Alaska and northern Canada.
A decade-long study in the Amazon rainforest found that forests can withstand initial, low-intensity burns but are vulnerable to repeated fires, especially during drought years. The research also highlights the role of leaf-cutter ant colonies in creating natural fire breaks and mitigating forest damage.
The Pacific Northwest is experiencing severe wildfires in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, with over 27 fires listed in the Inciweb database for Washington state. The largest active fire, Okanogan Complex Fire, has grown to 256,567 acres and is only 10% contained.
Researchers are studying ways to increase communities' ability to withstand and recover from wildfires with the support of a $2.8 million grant. The team will create a virtual early warning system to identify vulnerable communities and ecosystems, and work with stakeholders to develop action plans for at-risk areas.
Wildfires have been raging in Washington State, Oregon's Malheur National Forest, and California's Golden State, burning over 390,000 acres and forcing evacuations. The blazes are fueled by strong winds and lightning strikes, with no imminent relief expected.
The Suomi NPP satellite captured a stunning night-time image of the Jerusalem Fire in California, revealing its massive size and location. The fire has covered over 12,000 acres and is being managed by Cal Fire.
A study from University of California, Davis, found that forest disturbances like wildfire and thinning are replacing understory plants with those from more southern areas, such as Mexico and Southern California. This shift is driven by climate change, leading to a potential increase in forest diversity.
Several fire complexes are currently active in Northern California, including River, Fork, South, Route, and Mad River, with total fires numbering over 40 in the Fork Complex alone. Damage assessments are ongoing, and crews are working to contain fires and protect structures.
Researchers use climate model to tag soot sources and track its impact on the Tibetan Plateau, finding that soot from wildfires in India warms the region more than greenhouse gases. The study suggests that cutting emissions from central Asia's fossil fuel burning can have a significant impact on reducing soot levels on the plateau.
Wildfires on Croatia's Peljesac Peninsula and islands of Korcula and Brac have destroyed olive groves, vineyards, and pine forests, forcing evacuations. The fires have also disrupted main roads and power supplies, with hot winds and high temperatures hindering firefighters' efforts to contain the blazes.
Researchers found a significant association between wildfire-related air pollution and an increased risk of heart-related incidents, including out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and emergency department visits. The study suggests that fine particulate matter may act as a trigger factor for acute cardiovascular health events.
Researchers found a strong association between exposure to tiny particulate pollutants from wildfire smoke and the risk of heart-related incidents, including cardiac arrests, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. The study suggests that fine particulate matter may act as a trigger factor for acute cardiovascular events.