Wildfires persist in California
Wildfires in central and northern California continue to rage, with the American wildfire affecting over 13,000 acres. The Swedes Fire has grown to 1,995 acres and is expected to be fully contained by Thursday.
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Fires in eastern Russia -- Urals and Siberia
Fires in eastern Russia's Siberia and Urals are often set by farmers to return nutrients to the soil and clear unwanted plants. These fires produce smoke degrading air quality, highlighting the need for fire management teams to limit uncontrolled wildfires.
Wildfires in central Canada
In central Canada, wildfires have burned over half a million acres, with 508 new fires starting in the past week. Most of these fires were concentrated in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, with areas of high to extreme fire danger reported.
NASA 'fire towers' in space watch for wildfires on the rise
Scientists from NASA and other agencies use satellite observation and computer modeling to predict wildfire activity in the American West. The data helps guide firefighting resources and prevention efforts, with over 2.5 million acres burned this year.
Oregon burning
In July 2013, Oregon's severe drought and thunderstorms ignited dozens of difficult-to-control wildfires. The fires burned nearly 144,688 acres across the state, with smoke posing health risks to residents. Firefighters battled the blazes, including the Douglas Complex and Big Windy Complex, which collectively burned over 50,000 acres.
Heat intensifies Siberian wildfires
A persistent high-pressure weather pattern contributed to the heat wave, which saw temperatures reach 32° Celsius in northern Siberia. The fires are burning in an unusual area, significantly north of the typical summer wildfire zone.
Extreme wildfires likely fueled by climate change
New research led by Michigan State University scientists predicts that climate change will continue to fuel larger and more extreme wildfires in the western United States, posing a significant challenge to fire and forest management.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateAug 1, 2013
Fires in Eastern Russian and Siberia
Forest fires are burning north and east of Russia's Irkutsk Oblast in southeastern Siberia, affecting recreational areas and the nearby town of Mirny, home to the world's largest diamond mine. The MODIS instrument detected heat from various wildfires using its infrared capabilities.
Fires in the Canadian Yukon province
In July 2013, NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of numerous uncontained fires in the Yukon territory, with over 329,000 acres burned. The region has seen significant wildfires, with 133,166 hectares burned this year to date.
Wildfires may contribute more to global warming than previously predicted
Measurements from the 2011 Las Conchas fire show that 'tar ball' effect significantly degrades air quality and contributes to global warming. The team found spherical carbonaceous particles called tar balls dominate emissions, which can increase climate warming by increased light absorption.
Satellite quilt of wildfires, smoke throughout Canada
NASA's Aqua satellite captured multiple images of fire and smoke from Canadian wildfires on July 4, 2013, revealing hot spots that appear red in the image. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer instrument detected plumes of smoke blowing across many provinces and out over the Atlantic Ocean.
Wilfire smoke over Alaska
Wildfires in western Alaska produce massive smoke clouds, with MODIS detecting unusually warm surface temperatures. The Alaska Interagency Coordination Center reports record-setting fire potential across boreal spruce forests and tundra landscapes.
Smoke engulfs Singapore
In June 2013, NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites captured images of smoke billowing from Sumatran wildfires. The resulting haze descended on Singapore, pushing air quality indices to hazardous levels. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned that the haze could last for several weeks.
Study helps managers identify regions with multiple threat potential, including wildfires
A recent study offers a tool to identify regions exposed to multiple forest threats, including wildfires, urban development, and insects and disease. The tool uses a novel analysis technique to highlight locations where threats are more concentrated.
SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalJournal of Forestry·DateJun 12, 2013
Fires in northern Saskatchewan
Seventy-seven wildfires have been reported in Saskatchewan, with the largest burning over 247 acres. The province's 'observation zone' policy allows fires to burn naturally, reducing suppression costs.
Fires in eastern China
Multiple wildfires burned in eastern China, producing massive smoke plumes detected by NASA's Aqua satellite. The MODIS instrument revealed hot spots as red areas and smoke as light brown areas.
Wildfires in Siberia
Wildfires in Siberia have been reported across two regions, with multiple hotspots detected by NASA's MODIS satellite. The Kosmosnimki website reports a total of 85 outbreaks in the Suntarsky Ulus region and 237 outbreaks in the Kobjajsky ulus region.
Climate change and wildfire
A new article synthesizes recent findings on climate-fire interactions, highlighting the significant regional climate effects of smoke particles and their impact on global temperatures and precipitation. The study also explores the role of black carbon in accelerating snow melting and its influence on terrestrial ecosystem services.
SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateMay 21, 2013
Wildfires in Siberia
NASA's Aqua satellite provided satellite images of Siberian wildfires, indicating a high likelihood due to dry conditions. The MODIS instrument detected hotspots in the region, which were then mapped over satellite images for clickable analysis.
Fires in Eastern Russia
Agricultural fires are a common occurrence in eastern Russia, particularly during the planting season. The Russian military uses specially equipped transport airplanes to put out over 90 fires, highlighting the need for monitoring and intervention.
Fires in eastern Russia
In eastern Russia, fires are set to clear land for planting and renew pastures. Fire is used globally as a tool for managing resources, mitigating larger wildfires.
AGU: Wildfires can burn hot without ruining soil, new study finds
A new study found that large, hot fires do not necessarily lead to scorched soil. Instead, the soil temperature is affected by factors such as fire speed, heat travel direction, and landscape moisture content. This counterintuitive result could help forest managers plan controlled burns more effectively.
Fires in Southeastern United States
Thousands of wildfires are burning across the southeastern United States, with many prescribed fires also taking place to manage undergrowth and agricultural purposes. The National Interagency Fire Center reports 17 large fires, including three uncontained ones.
Study predicts lag in summer rains over parts of US and Mexico
A new study predicts that the summer monsoon rains over the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico will arrive later in the coming decades due to climate change. The delay is expected to affect agriculture, livestock, and desert ecosystems, with potential impacts on crop yields, wildfires, and water resources.
New way to identify 'smoked' grapes and wines
Scientists have developed a test to detect smoke taint in grapes and wines, which can be used to manage the production of smoky-tasting wines. The test uses laboratory tests to identify substances formed in grapes after exposure to smoke.
Wildfires light up western Australia
Bright areas in Western Australia are caused by wildfires, confirmed by satellite data and composite imaging. The fires, detected over nine days in April and 13 days in October, appear as a massive blaze due to cumulative lighting.
Fire and ice: Wildfires darkening Greenland snowpack, increasing melting
Researchers have found evidence of smoke from Arctic wildfires drifting over the Greenland ice sheet, darkening its surface and increasing the likelihood of melting. The soot from these fires can capture the sun's heat, accelerating the melting process.
University of Tennessee collaborates in study: Dire drought ahead, may lead to massive tree death
A University of Tennessee study suggests recent droughts may be the new normal, posing significant threats to the nation's forests. The researchers found that the US has experienced several mega-droughts in the last 1,000 years, and projections indicate worsening drought and increased tree mortality by 2050.
Study ties forest 'greenness' in western US to snowpack extent
A new study links forest greenness in the western United States to fluctuating year-to-year snowpack extent, with mid-elevation mountain ecosystems found to be most sensitive to rising temperatures and changes in precipitation and snowmelt. The research provides important insights into the tipping point between water-limited forests an...
CU-Boulder-led mountain forest study shows vulnerability to climate change
A new study by CU-Boulder researchers finds mid-elevation mountain ecosystems sensitive to rising temperatures and changes in precipitation and snowmelt. The 'tipping point' where these forests switch from moisture-dependent to sunlight-temperature dependent is crucial for understanding climate change's impact.
WSU researcher sees how forests thrive after fires and volcanoes
A WSU researcher finds that forest disturbances, including fires and wildfires, can help create habitats for rare plants and animals. This approach to forest management can enhance biodiversity by mimicking natural disturbances.
Stanford expert brings climate change science to heated Capitol Hill
Climate scientist Chris Field testifies before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, highlighting the link between climate change and extreme weather events. He urges policymakers to take action to reduce risk, citing evidence from IPCC reports and scientific research.
When the world burned less
A new University of Utah-led study suggests that global cooling, rather than population collapse, was the primary driver of reduced wildfires globally. The research analyzed charcoal samples spanning 2,000 years and found a significant decline in fires post-1500 AD, which coincided with the onset of the Little Ice Age.
NASA observes the Waldo Canyon Fire, Colorado
The Waldo Canyon Fire has burned over 15,517 acres near Colorado Springs, forcing evacuations of at least 32,000 people. NASA satellites continue to provide coverage of the fire, which is currently being battled by over 750 firefighters.
NASA satellites see wildfires across Colorado
Fires raged in southwestern and northeastern Colorado, with the High Park Fire consuming 83,205 acres, the second-largest fire in Colorado history. The Weber Fire burned approximately 8,300 acres, while the Little Sand Fire had been burning for weeks, threatening nearly 200 people.
Climate change to alter global fire risk
A new study projects increased fire activity across large parts of the planet due to climate change, particularly in the western United States. Meanwhile, fire activity is expected to decrease in tropical rainforests as a result of increased rainfall.
New report examines effects of trees killed by bark beetles on wildfire
A recent report synthesizes published studies on the impact of bark beetles on wildfires, revealing that tree mortality can indeed affect fuels and fire behavior. However, the extent of these effects depends on various factors, including the time since the outbreak and the type of fuel or fire characteristic being studied.
SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateMay 30, 2012
Refining fire behavior modeling
Fine-scale measurements can be incorporated into models to reduce wildfire hazard in the southeast, according to a new study published in Forest Ecology and Management. The research focuses on methods that incorporate hundreds of fuel observations into tools used by managers to assess wildfire potential.
SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateMay 22, 2012
Dynamic earth processes across time and space
The article discusses new research on dynamic earth processes, including the link between wildfires and sediment transport in coastal watersheds, as well as high-pressure metamorphism in northwest China. Additionally, studies on the Gold Hill shear zone and magma-filled fractures in the Appalachian mountain belt are also presented.
When dinosaurs roamed a fiery landscape
Researchers have found that fire was more widespread than previously thought during the Cretaceous period, potentially altering dinosaur communities. Charcoal deposits in fossil records indicate frequent wildfires, which could have exacerbated erosion and flooding.
Scientists find new way to measure economic impact of forest fires
A team of scientists created a methodology that considers timber vulnerability, harvesting value, and fire behavior to estimate potential net losses from timber production and fire survival probability. This approach helps fire managers and planners evaluate the economic impacts of wildfires on timber resources.
SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateMar 26, 2012
USDA Forest Service and NASA release Web-based forest disturbance monitoring tool
The USDA Forest Service's Eastern Forest and Western Wildland Environmental Threat Assessment Centers have unveiled a new satellite-based monitoring and assessment tool called ForWarn. This web-based tool recognizes and tracks potential forest disturbances caused by various natural or human-caused events, providing near-real-time views...
Lung doctors expect respiratory diseases will worsen with global climate change
A new position paper from the American Thoracic Society predicts increased asthma, allergies, and infectious diseases worldwide as climate change worsens air quality and heat stress. Vulnerable populations like infants, children, and the elderly will be disproportionately affected.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalProceedings of the American Thoracic Society·DateMar 15, 2012
Study of wildfire trends in Northwestern California shows no increase in severity over time
A recent study published in Ecological Applications found that wildfires in northwestern California have not become more severe, despite increasing in size. The study suggests that less intense fires can be used to achieve ecological and management goals, offering a new approach to wildfire management.
SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalEcological Applications·DateFeb 29, 2012
A look back suggests a sobering future of wildfire dangers in US west
A University of Oregon-led research team warns that climate change and fuel buildup may trigger a perfect storm of wildfires in the US West. The team reevaluates fire-management practices to address a fire deficit due to rising temperatures, droughts, and increased tree mortality.
New study evaluates impact of land use activity in the Amazon basin
A new study reveals human land use activity is altering the Amazon basin's regional water and energy cycles. The research found signs of transition to a disturbance-dominated regime in the southern and eastern portions of the basin, linked to high-frequency wildfires and climate change.
Reclaiming the land after a forest fire
Researchers develop a new method to reduce erosion in areas ravaged by forest fires using an organic polymer. The treatment, tested on burnt soils in Israel, shows promise in reducing erosion by up to 50%.
Forest health versus global warming: Fuel reduction likely to increase carbon emissions
A new study published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment found that forest thinning to prevent or reduce severe wildfires releases more carbon into the atmosphere than saved by successful fire prevention. The research analyzed the effect of fuel treatments on wildfire and carbon stocks in several scenarios, concluding that eve...
Rapid rise in wildfires in large parts of Canada?
Large areas of Canada are approaching threshold values for wildfires, increasing the area burnt down annually and fire size. Climate change is expected to cause an abrupt increase in fires, making strategies for combating wildfires reconsidered.
Texas drought visible in new national groundwater maps
The record-breaking Texas drought has reduced groundwater levels in much of the state to their lowest levels in over 60 years. The latest maps from NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites show severely depressed groundwater levels, indicating a prolonged drying effect.
Trees on tundra's border are growing faster in a hotter climate
A new study found that trees at the edge of Alaska's tundra are growing faster due to a hotter climate, suggesting some forests may be adapting. The added growth is helping the trees thrive in this region, which has experienced rapid warming.
Sea change can forecast South American wildfires, UCI-led study finds
A new study predicts wildfire severity in South America by analyzing Atlantic and Pacific ocean temperatures, providing vital insights for conserving tropical forests. The method has been tested with striking accuracy, enabling officials to prepare for fire seasons three to five months in advance.
Aerial robot system can save firefighter lives
A new aerial robot system developed by University of Cincinnati researchers can provide real-time information about wildfire locations and movements, helping firefighters make informed decisions. The system, known as SIERRA, has been tested in West Virginia with a small fire and showed promising results.
Drying intensifying wildfires, carbon release ninefold, study finds
A new study by University of Guelph professor Merritt Turetsky and colleagues found that draining northern wetlands leads to severe peatland wildfires, releasing nine times as much carbon into the atmosphere. This discovery highlights the importance of cumulative impacts on peatland ecosystems and their role in the global carbon cycle.
Savannas, forests in a battle of the biomes, Princeton researchers find
The Princeton study suggests that savanna wildfires play a crucial role in maintaining the division between forests and savannas. The researchers found that regular fires prevent trees from establishing and savannas from turning into forest. However, human activities such as climate change, road construction, and fire prevention measur...
'Albedo effect' in forest disturbances can cause added warming, bonus cooling
A new study reveals that the albedo effect plays a crucial role in the climatic significance of forest disturbances, with some cases providing cooling while others magnify concerns about warming. Forests can either act as carbon sinks or sources depending on the disturbance type and severity.
Laying the blame for extreme weather
Researchers at the Geological Society of America meeting connect extreme weather events over the past decade to climate change. Warmer oceans, fueled by increased carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas releases, contribute to more frequent and intense storms, droughts, and wildfires.
Spreading like wildfire? Maybe not always
A recent study by NIST, funded by the US Department of Homeland Security, has overturned existing myths about wildfires, revealing new vulnerabilities in building materials. The research found that embers can easily ignite building materials placed behind vents, and ceramic-tile roofs are not as fire-resistant as thought.
Forest structure, services and biodiversity may be lost even as form remains
Despite maintaining a forest's physical appearance, its ecological, economic and cultural values can still be lost due to changes in structure and biodiversity. Researchers warn that traditional forestry practices, such as clear-cutting, can lead to the disappearance of critical forest structures and stages.
SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2011
MU researchers to study dangerous, deadly weather phenomenon
Researchers will analyze social and economic impacts of atmospheric blocking events from the 20th century. They aim to develop new methods for spotting and predicting this rare weather phenomenon, which can trigger extreme conditions such as heat waves and flooding.