Fire
Articles tagged with Fire
Texas A&M opens world’s largest academic controlled-explosions lab
The new facility enables scientists to observe and measure detonation forces in unprecedented detail, shedding light on industrial safety risks and potential breakthroughs. Researchers aim to develop safer designs and protocols by examining detonation disasters like the Buncefield Fire.
Permafrost is key to carbon storage. That makes northern wildfires even more dangerous
A recent study co-authored by NAU researchers found that fires in northern Canada have a net cooling effect when coupled with snowpack, but this is outweighed by the warming effects of permafrost carbon released from fires in Alaska. This highlights the need for land and fire managers to reconsider how wildland fires are managed.
The giant fire tornado that could save our oceans
Researchers have developed a new method for cleaning oil spills using massive fire whirls, which can burn through crude oil nearly twice as fast as in-situ fire pools. The results show that fire whirls produce 40% less soot and consume up to 95% of the fuel, leaving fewer harmful particles behind.
Innovation Crossroads startup revolutionizes wildfire prevention through grid hardening
Witching Hour's technology uses robots and drones to add insulation to powerlines, reducing wildfire risk and costs. The innovative approach offers faster and more affordable solutions for utility companies and local communities.
Wood burning in homes drives dangerous air pollution in winter
Residential wood burning accounts for over one-fifth of wintertime exposure to outdoor fine particulate matter, linked to increased risks of heart disease and premature death. By reducing indoor wood burning, Americans could decrease outdoor air pollution and save thousands of lives.
Wildfires reshape forest soils for decades
Research in Chile's national parks shows that wildfires significantly alter soil structure and nutrient cycles, affecting ecosystem resilience. Humid temperate forests recover faster than mediterranean woodlands due to fire-adapted trees and higher rainfall.
Study documents potentially hazardous flame retardants in firefighter gear
A study by Duke University found potentially hazardous brominated flame retardants in firefighter turnout gear, posing risks to firefighter health. The chemicals, including decabromodiphenyl ethane, have been linked to negative health effects such as cancer, thyroid disease, and neurodevelopmental problems.
Extensive LA-area fires altered blood proteins in firefighters, raising health concerns
A new study found that extensive wildfires in the LA area caused changes in firefighters' immune systems and inflammatory response pathways. The research identified 60 changes in serum proteome, affecting various bodily functions.
Climate change drove extreme wildfire seasons across the Americas, making burned areas around 30 times larger
Human-driven climate change makes wildfires in parts of South America and Southern California much larger and more destructive. Climate models warn that severe heatwaves and droughts will make extreme wildfires more frequent and intense worldwide.
Record-breaking 2024 Amazon fires drive unprecedented carbon emissions and ecosystem degradation
The Amazon rainforest experienced its most devastating forest fire season in over two decades, releasing 791 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The study highlights the growing ecological fragility of the region, driven by climate change, deforestation, and land-use mismanagement.
Engineers uncover why tiny particles form clusters in turbulent air
A new study reveals that small electric charges between particles play a crucial role in forming highly concentrated clusters in turbulent environments. This discovery has significant implications for climate research, medicine, engineering, and science, enabling better predictions and controls.
Groundbreaking tool helps track and improve wildfire treatments
A new nationwide database, TWIG, is helping land managers evaluate the impact of fuel treatments on wildfire risk. The open-access platform consolidates decades of data from across the US, enabling more efficient and effective strategies for applying treatments.
The health impact of wildfires in Los Angeles County and Maui
Research shows that the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires resulted in an estimated 440 excess deaths, while the 2023 Maui wildfires led to immediate increases in suicide and overdose deaths. Higher social support was linked to improved mental health outcomes but did not buffer physiological effects.
New research uncovers gene impacts of PFAS exposure in firefighters
Research at University of Arizona Health Sciences found PFAS exposure affects gene activity, tied to cancers, neurological disorders, and autoimmune conditions. Changes in miRNA activity indicate potential health risks, suggesting a link between environmental exposures and disease.
Fuel breaks for forest fires could be more effective in reducing potential risks and impacts if planned using a new optimization approach, which accounts for uncertain wildfire behavior in fire-prone landscapes of Alberta, Canada
A new optimization approach for fuel breaks in Alberta, Canada's fire-prone landscapes can effectively reduce potential risks and impacts of forest fires. By accounting for uncertain wildfire behavior, this method helps compartmentalize a fire-prone forest landscape.
NASA taps UTA for wildfire smoke warning system
The University of Texas at Arlington researcher Yunyao Li has been selected by NASA to develop a system that provides early warnings of hazardous air pollution from wildfires. The project aims to enhance wildfire air quality forecasting capabilities and develop tools for decision-making processes related to health management.
Neolithic agricultural revolution linked to climate-driven wildfires and soil erosion - new study finds
A new study reveals that the Neolithic Revolution in the southern Levant was triggered by catastrophic wildfires and climate-driven soil erosion, forcing early communities to adopt agriculture. Fertile soils formed in valley basins after hillslope degradation became hotspots for settlement and farming.
Wildfire recovery: What victims say they need most
A new study by UC Davis School of Medicine identifies four major areas of need among wildfire victims, including mental health support and health information. The research reveals that mental health needs are the most predominant health-related need at all time points.
Smoke from US wildfires, prescribed burns caused premature deaths, billions in health damages
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that smoke from US wildfires and prescribed burns caused $200 billion in health damages in 2017, resulting in 20,000 premature deaths. Senior citizens were disproportionately affected, with Native American and Black communities experiencing the greatest harms per capita.
USTC unveils impact mechanism of climate change on urban fire risks
A research team from USTC quantified the link between climate change and urban fire risks using a comprehensive city-level fire incident database. The study found that building fire frequency decreases with rising temperatures, but vehicle and outdoor fires increase.
Smoke from wildland-urban interface fires more deadly than remote wildfires
Emissions from WUI fires are proportionately three times more likely to lead to premature deaths than emissions from remote wildfires. The study drew on a database of WUI fires and advanced computer modeling techniques to simulate pollutants from fires.
Do firefighters face a higher brain cancer risk associated with gene mutations caused by chemical exposure?
A new study reveals that firefighters are more likely to have a specific type of brain tumor with gene mutations linked to chemical exposure. The research found that firefighters were more likely to have the mutational signature associated with haloalkane exposure, especially those who worked for many years.
AI has ‘great potential’ for detecting wildfires, new study of the Amazon rainforest suggests
A new study suggests that artificial intelligence can effectively detect wildfires in the Amazon rainforest, using satellite imaging and deep learning. The technology achieved a 93% success rate in training models via datasets of images with and without wildfires.
Incarcerated people are disproportionately impacted by climate change, CU doctors say
Incarcerated individuals face heightened health risks from wildfires due to poor ventilation, inadequate infrastructure, and pre-existing medical conditions. Climate change is intensifying wildfire conditions worldwide, posing immediate and long-term health impacts on this vulnerable population.
A hot droplet can bounce across a cool pan, too
Researchers discovered that hot and burning droplets can bounce off cool surfaces due to the formation of an invisible air cushion. This phenomenon has potential applications in slowing fire spread and improving engine efficiency.
UK peatland fires are supercharging carbon emissions as climate change causes hotter, drier summers
A new study reveals that UK peatland fires are responsible for up to 90% of annual fire-driven carbon emissions, with emissions set to rise by at least 60% if the planet warms by 2°C. Researchers found that rewetting peatlands can help reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change.
Models show intensifying wildfires in a warming world due to changes in vegetation and humidity; only a minor role for lightning
A new study reveals that climate change is driving intensifying wildfires by altering vegetation and humidity levels, but not significantly impacting lightning strikes. The simulations predict a 14% increase in global area burned by fires annually with every degree of global warming.
Study finds consumer openness to smoke-impacted wines, offering new market opportunities
A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that certain groups of consumers are open to drinking smoke-impacted wines. The study suggests potential tools for making these wines viable for the market through blending and targeted labeling and marketing strategies.
New device uses electrically assisted wind to fight fires
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new portable tool that can deliver conductive aerosols to suppress flames using the power of vortex rings. The device was tested in two prototypes, both of which had an effective range of nearly 2 meters, and showed promise in suppressing fires.
AMS Science Preview: Wind and wildfire, EF5s, “sitting ducks”
Research highlights the impact of wind on wildfire growth, with areas in the US Southeast vulnerable to extreme heat and precipitation events. Meanwhile, a study suggests the 'drought' of EF5 tornadoes may be due to stricter ratings rather than changes in tornadoes.
Chung-Ang University achieves dual-purpose breakthrough: Turning water into electricity while detecting fires
Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a novel hydrovoltaic device that can produce up to a few tens of microwatts and responds quickly to evaporation-driven changes in water flow, making it suitable for fire detection. The device also exhibits excellent stability over extended periods.
Residents of unburned homes reported health symptoms months after Marshall Fire
A survey of residents affected by the 2021 Marshall Fire found that those living near burned structures experienced frequent headaches, sore throats, and coughs. Researchers found that visible ash in homes increased the likelihood of reporting these symptoms, which improved with cleaning and HVAC system changes.
Lower access to air conditioning may increase need for emergency care for wildfire smoke exposure
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that lower access to air conditioning increases the need for emergency care for wildfire smoke exposure. People living in areas with low air conditioning availability are at higher risk, especially children and the Black population.
Research explores wildfire smoke’s effect on solar power generation across US
New research from Colorado State University finds that wildfire smoke has a modest impact on long-term solar power generation activity in the US. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that power generated from photovoltaics remained relatively stable even in extreme fire seasons, with losses averaging around 5%.
Increased wildfire activity may be a feature of past periods of abrupt climate change, study finds
A new study suggests that increased wildfire activity was a feature of past periods of abrupt climate change, which also saw significant shifts in tropical rainfall patterns and temperature fluctuations. The research analyzed ancient methane trapped in Antarctic ice and found that the spikes were likely caused by global wildfires.
AMS Science Preview: Turbulence & thunderstorms, heat stress, future derechos
New studies reveal significant increases in Atlantic hurricane seasons and derecho events, while also highlighting the dangers of turbulence near thunderstorms and extreme heat stress. Climate models predict a rise in precipitation extremes across US cities, particularly during winter and spring.
New attribution studies: Increasing effects of global warming on fire dynamics and public health
Two new studies find that global warming is increasing fire dynamics, particularly in Australia, South America, Western North America, and Siberia, leading to more burned areas. Climate change also increased deaths from fire-related air pollution, with a 15.8% rise in global burned area from 2003 to 2019.
Climate change: Heat, drought, and fire risk increasing in South America
The study found that South America is experiencing a significant increase in the co-occurrence of multiple climate extremes, including heat, drought, and flammable conditions. This has amplified impacts on ecosystems, economies, and human health, particularly affecting vulnerable rural and indigenous populations.
Abrupt intensification of northern wildfires due to future permafrost thawing
A new study warns that future climate change will intensify wildfires in the Arctic region, leading to an abrupt switch from no fires to very intense ones within just a few years. The accelerated permafrost thawing is expected to increase soil water and vegetation biomass, exacerbating fire fuel.
PolyU researchers invent intelligent soft robotic clothing for automatic thermal adaptation in extreme heat
Researchers at PolyU have developed a new type of thermally-insulated and breathable soft robotic clothing that can automatically adapt to changing ambient temperatures. This innovative clothing uses soft actuators to trap a layer of air and increase thermal resistance, reducing heat stress and discomfort in high-temperature environments.
Treatment with smoke can favor seed germination in the Cerrado
A study by UNESP found that smoke from two concentrations stimulates germination in 32% of plant species, with some grasses growing faster. The results could aid restoration strategies for degraded areas and offer a competitive advantage to certain Cerrado species after fires.
Wildfires increasingly threaten oil and gas drill sites, compounding potential health risks, study says
A new study finds that over 100,000 oil and gas wells in the western US are at risk of wildfires, posing a compound hazard to nearby populations. The research highlights the need for proactive action to prevent future harms.
Navigating the Pyrocene: Recent Cell Press papers on managing fire risk
Researchers discuss ways to mitigate wildfire risks, including community preparedness programs and high-tech options for early detection. The studies also explore the impact of ultrafine particles from wildfire smoke on cloud formation and heavy rain.
Large wildfires create weather that favors more fire
A UC Riverside study found that large fires in California create a self-sustaining cycle of heat and dryness, making it easier for new fires to start. The extra heat reduces humidity, allowing conditions to become favorable for more fire.
Fighting fires from space in record time: how AI could prevent devastating wildfires
Australian scientists have developed an AI-powered system to detect bushfires from space, reducing detection time by 500 times compared to traditional methods. The system uses hyperspectral imagery and onboard AI to identify fire smoke before it takes hold, allowing for faster responses and preventing loss of life and property.
Exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality
Polybrominated diphenyl ether exposure significantly associated with cancer mortality and all-cause mortality. Further studies needed to replicate findings and understand underlying mechanisms.
$3.8M grant will fund study of firefighter risks, interventions in wildland-urban blazes
Researchers will explore health effects of fire exposure in the wildland-urban interface, measuring exposure risk and evaluating effective interventions such as rapid reporting of data and improved personal protective equipment. The study aims to reduce firefighter health risks and improve overall public health responses.
New Leibniz Science Campus researches wild fires and climate
The new campus brings together expertise on atmospheric and biodiversity research to study interactions between the atmosphere and biosphere, particularly in the context of rapid climate change. Researchers will investigate effects of aerosol particles from vegetation on air quality, Earth's radiation balance and vegetation patterns.
Scientists ID burned bodies using technique used for extracting DNA from wooly mammoths, Neanderthals
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new technique to extract usable DNA from bones of fire victims, allowing identification through dental records or DNA testing. The method uses two different techniques to extract DNA, one suitable for temperatures below 350 degrees and the other for hotter fires.
War and fire on the eastern Silk Road
Researchers found that intense fires in the region were more likely caused by human activities like war than climate change. The study used sediment cores to analyze black carbon and soot deposits from Tianchi Lake, dating back 6,000 years.
Atmospheric pollutants in São Paulo exceeded recommended levels even at the height of the pandemic
Air quality in São Paulo fell far below standards and WHO recommendations despite reduced emissions during the pandemic. The study identified four main sources of aerosols: heavy vehicles, soil dust, light vehicles, and local sources, including industrial emissions and fires.
A new tool to better model future wildfire impacts in the United States
Researchers at Ohio State University are testing the use of Synthetic Aperture Radar to help with wildfire detection and improve first responders' ability to predict and respond to deadly forest fires. The new tool has potential for tracking wildfires from start to finish, monitoring soil moisture, and discerning flame-prone areas.
Helping more people get to safety in a wildfire
Researchers have developed a new web-based software platform called Wildfire Safe Egress (WISE) that allows emergency planners to design custom-made evacuation plans. The tool uses data on demographics and road networks to simulate wildfire scenarios and calculate safe evacuation probabilities. By analyzing the Camp Fire disaster, rese...
Fossil CO2 emissions at record high in 2023
Fossil CO2 emissions from global carbon budgets have reached a record high in 2023, with global warming exceeding 1.5°C target becoming increasingly likely within seven years. The study projects that total global CO2 emissions will be 40.9 billion tonnes, far from the reductions needed to meet climate targets.
National Science Foundation funds new study to look for contaminants in ash and soil from Maui fire
Researchers aim to identify contaminants in ash, soil, and surface waters from the Maui fire, posing risks to human health. The study will also help educate communities on the presence and risk of contaminants, informing prevention measures for future fires.
In 2020, 30% of the Pantanal was burned to cinders by wildfires
A recent study using SENTINEL-2 satellite images estimated burned areas with 96% accuracy, revealing a much larger area affected by wildfires than previously thought. This higher precision will help improve estimates of greenhouse gas emissions and inform fire management decisions.
New study offers improved strategy for social media communications during wildfires
Researchers from the University of Notre Dame found that social media engagement improves when national and local levels mismatch audiences during recovery phases, increasing user engagement by 29.6%. The study suggests a nuanced approach to content coordination, with national headquarters leading production and local accounts following.
Simultaneous large wildfires will increase in Western U.S.
Simultaneous large wildfires will become more frequent in the Western United States due to climate change, putting a strain on firefighting efforts. The study found that peak seasons for simultaneous blazes could be several weeks longer by the end of the century, affecting resource allocation and prevention strategies.
Controlled burns help prevent wildfires; Climate change is limiting their use
A new study by UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain finds that climate change is limiting the use of prescribed fires to prevent wildfires. The research projects a 17% reduction in favorable days across the Western US, with most reductions coming in spring and summer.