Forest Fires
Articles tagged with Forest Fires
Deforestation policies are failing to protect against a potentially bigger threat to the Brazilian Amazon
A study found that policies reducing deforestation in Brazil have failed to stop forest degradation, a slower and more dangerous form of destruction. Forests are becoming increasingly fragile due to fires, logging, and other human activities.
Wildfire-driven deforestation rates in California among highest in world
A study by University of California, Davis found that California's conifer forests have lost between 6% and 11% of their area over the past three decades due to wildfires. Reforestation efforts are not keeping pace with the losses, with only about 1% of deforested Forest Service lands being replanted between 2016 and 2023.
Wildfires accelerate winter snowmelt in Oregon's western Cascades, PSU study finds
A new study by PSU researchers found that wildfires can intensify midwinter rain-on-snow events, leading to rapid snowmelt and increased flood risk. This threatens the region's critical seasonal water storage, refilling reservoirs and producing hydroelectric power.
Frequent prescribed burns help young oaks thrive despite invasive grasses, Illinois study finds
Researchers found that frequent fires increased light in the forest understory and reduced fire intensity. Almost twice as many young oak trees survived and resprouted in plots with more frequent fires.
Plants need water? Breakthrough sensor measures leaf hydration in real time
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed an electronic tattoo to track moisture levels in plant leaves with greater accuracy. The technology uses graphene and can measure hydration levels directly from live leaves, providing more information on plant ecosystem health.
Low snowpack kindles more severe wildfires, western study finds
Researchers from Western Colorado University found that low snowpack extends fire season and increases severity of forest fires. Years with low snowpack are consistently associated with higher burn severity across watersheds studied from 1985 to 2021.
Invasive grasses may be turning B.C.’s burn scars into the next wildfire
A UBC study finds invasive grasses are a sleeper threat on B.C.'s post-fire landscape, with the window to stop them narrow. The research highlights three actions to reduce risk: vehicle and boot washing stations, targeted seeding, and early herbicide treatment.
AMS Science Preview: Mississippi River, ocean carbon storage, gender and floods
Researchers investigated the Mississippi River's hydrological trends, ocean carbon storage, and gender dynamics in flood mortality. A study found that precipitation increases, but soil moisture decreases, while high-resolution models reveal stronger Southern Ocean carbon absorption. Additionally, data showed men are overrepresented in ...
Forest damage could double: How fires, storms, and bark beetles will shape the future of Europe’s forests
A study predicts that forest damage in Europe will more than double by 2100 due to increased wildfires, storms, and bark beetle activity. The team used AI-based simulation models to estimate the impact of global warming on forest ecosystems.
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.
Large forest fire emissions are hidden underground
A new study by Lund University reveals that large forest fire emissions occur below the ground surface, in peat and organic soils, rather than above-ground. This affects climate impact assessments, as traditional methods risk missing significant carbon releases.
New research forecasts the impacts of fire on birds
Up to 30% of bird diversity hotspots in the western US face threats from high-severity wildfires, which could eliminate critical forest habitats. However, up to 58% of hotspots are predicted to experience low-severity fires, creating potential refuges for forest-dependent species.
Exposure to intense wildfire smoke during pregnancy may be linked to increased likelihood of autism
Researchers found strongest associations on very smoky days and in areas with cleaner air overall. The study of over 8.6 million births in California suggests that intense wildfire smoke exposure may increase the likelihood of autism in children.
How fire-loving fungi learned to eat charcoal
Fungi have evolved unique strategies to digest charcoal and other pollutants, including gene duplication and horizontal gene transfer. These discoveries could lead to new methods for cleaning up contaminated environments.
January research news from the Ecological Society of America
A recent study published by the Ecological Society of America highlights the impact of rainstorms on environmental DNA in streams. Researchers found that rainfall can wash away genetic material from land-based species and deposit it into nearby waterways, providing a fuller picture of who is present. In another study, scientists discov...
Exposure to wildfire smoke late in pregnancy may raise autism risk in children
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that exposure to wildfire smoke during the third trimester may raise the risk of autism diagnoses in children. Mothers who were exposed to more than 10 days of wildfire smoke had a 23% higher risk of their child being diagnosed with autism by age 5.
Increased deciduous tree dominance reduces wildfire carbon losses in boreal forests
Research found that deciduous tree dominance reduces wildfire carbon losses in boreal forests, storing more carbon above ground and releasing less in deep organic soils. This shift could help slow climate warming by reducing carbon emissions per unit area burned.
Lessons from the Caldor Fire’s Christmas Valley ‘Miracle’
Researchers analyzed the Caldor Fire's impact on the Lake Tahoe Basin and found that pre-fire treatments significantly reduced fire severity. The most effective treatment types did not include controlled fires, highlighting the importance of other methods such as thinning and sweeping up unburned fuel piles.
The smoky signature of climate change
Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences quantify the role of climate change in wildfires and air quality, finding that 60-82% of total burned area in western US forests is directly attributable to warming temperatures and drier conditions caused by climate change.
Sky-high smoke
A study published in Science Advances found that unusually large particles of wildfire smoke had a significant cooling effect on the region they were observed in, increasing outgoing radiation by 30-36% compared to smaller smoke particles. This effect has not been included in current climate models.
GeoFlame VISION: Using AI and satellite imagery to predict future wildfire risk
A new computer model, GeoFlame VISION, uses AI and satellite imagery to produce a dynamic wildfire risk map for the entire US. The model shows that California's eastern, southwestern, and northwestern parts are at high risk due to Santa Ana winds.
Climate change expands wildfire danger worldwide: New study warns of unprecedented risks in the coming decades
A new study warns that climate change will dramatically increase wildfire danger globally, affecting traditionally fire-prone and previously unaffected regions. The projected fire danger in these areas could represent conditions with less than a 1% chance of occurrence during recent historical periods.
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.
Unveiling the impact of compound drought and wildfire events on PM2.5 air pollution in the era of climate change
Researchers found a strong link between compound droughts and wildfires in California, leading to increased fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations. The study shows that severe droughts can substantially raise wildfire risk, with PM2.5 levels increasing by 9.5·m³ under extreme conditions.
Could bacteria help fix the smoky taste of wildfire-tainted wine?
Researchers found two bacterial strains on grape leaves that can degrade guaiacol, a compound causing smoky taste in wines exposed to wildfire smoke. The study provides hope for developing biotechnological strategies to restore flavor in tainted wines.
Frequent wildfires, heat intensify air quality issues in American megacities such as New York City
Research from Colorado State University reveals how wildfire smoke combines with existing particulate pollution to create secondary, often more toxic, pollution and contribute to ozone formation. The study found that 90% of aerosol pollution over NYC is sensitive to at least one aspect of global changes, such as high temperatures.
How could AI help (and hurt) forestry?
Forestry professionals express concerns about AI's impact on land-management decisions and policy, citing 'black box' problems and data quality issues. However, they see potential for AI to support tasks like data analysis and task automation.
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.
Environment: Indigenous Amazon territories benefit human health
Analysis found that Indigenous Territories with high forest cover can decrease disease rates, including malaria and pneumonia. Legal protection is key to maintaining this effect.
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.
New study shows proactive forest management reduces high severity wildfire by 88% and stabilizes carbon during extreme droughts
A new study found that proactive forest management can significantly reduce the risk of high-severity wildfires by 88% and stabilize carbon stocks. The research analyzed over 200 fuel reduction projects in California's Central Sierra and found that treated forests stored carbon more durably, even after extreme droughts.
Bio-oil made with corn stalks, wood debris could plug orphaned fossil fuel wells
Researchers propose using bio-oil to sequester carbon dioxide in abandoned oil wells, offering a cost-effective alternative to direct air capture. The technology involves fast pyrolysis of biomass feedstock, producing bio-oil that can be injected into empty wells.
Wildfire ‘char’ may help suppress methane
Researchers found that wildfire chars can suppress methane production by supporting the growth of bacteria that outcompete methanogens. This natural process could have important implications for mitigating greenhouse gases and climate change.
The number of people exposed to wildfires nearly doubles, with Africa bearing the greatest burden
A new study by UN University scientists finds that the global human population directly exposed to wildland wildfires increased by 40% since 2000, with 85% of those in Africa. This has led to 2,500 direct deaths and 1.5 million smoke-related deaths each year.
Industry managed forests more likely to fuel megafires
Research led by the University of Utah found that industrial private land has nearly one-and-a-half times higher odds of high-severity wildfire compared to publicly owned forests. Reducing tree density can mitigate megafire risk even in extreme weather conditions.
Mortality associated with fine particles from wildfires may be underestimated by 93%
A new study suggests that exposure to wildfire-derived PM2.5 is linked to increased mortality and morbidity, with a 93% underestimation of the actual death toll. The research estimated 535 annual deaths from all causes due to short-term exposure to wildfire smoke.
High-elevation tropical forest soils in Colombian Andes are rich in carbon from past fires
Research found that high-elevation tropical forests in the Colombian Andes store significant amounts of pyrogenic carbon (PyC) due to past fires. The study analyzed soil samples from different elevations and land-use types, revealing PyC stocks nine to ten times higher in High Andean forests than in warmer regions.
Amazon degradation increases by 163% in two years, while deforestation falls by 54% in the same period
The Amazon has experienced a 163% increase in degradation and a 54% decrease in deforestation between 2022 and 2024. This 'negative balance' of biome protection threatens Brazil's international climate commitments, particularly its target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 59-67% by 2035.
Research shows aspen forests slow wildfire spread
A new study from Colorado State University and Western Colorado University found that aspen forests can act as natural firebreaks, slowing fires' spread. Aspen trees with high moisture content and chemical differences reduce flammability, making them more resistant to burning.
Satellite observations provide insight into post-wildfire forest recovery
Scientists at NSF NCAR developed a method using satellite imagery and USGS data to assess forest recovery, revealing that areas with conservation practices recover faster. The study also found that fire severity increases in unprotected areas and that evergreen forests benefit the most from protective measures.
Where there’s fire, there’s smoke
A new online platform, SMRT-Flames, estimates the health impacts of wildfire smoke and provides fire managers with tools to assess potential smoke exposure. The app uses a Harvard-developed computer model to predict how fires would behave across regions and how smoke would pool and disperse.
Wildfires threaten water quality for up to eight years after they burn
A study of 100,000 water samples from 500 river basins found elevated levels of contaminants like organic carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment persisting for years after wildfires. Water managers can use this data to inform planning strategies for increasing wildfire resilience.
Climate change will likely make prescribed fires rarer – but increase their air quality impacts
Prescribed burns contribute to significant air pollution in the southeast, particularly in minority and low-income areas. Climate change may exacerbate these impacts as fewer burn days become available.
Multiple extreme climate events at the same time may be the new normal
Researchers at Uppsala University predict that concurrent extreme events will become more frequent due to climate change, posing new challenges for preparedness. The study examines six types of events and finds a sharp increase in combinations of heatwaves and forest fires, as well as heatwaves and droughts, in various regions worldwide.
Slowly dying trees impact forest recovery post-wildfires, PSU study of 2020 fires finds
A PSU study found that fires can cause trees to die in subsequent years, affecting forest regeneration. The researchers mapped annual changes in live tree cover and found that older conifer trees and sensitive species were most likely to die later.
Frequent large-scale wildfires are turning forests from carbon sinks into super‑emitters
Record-breaking wildfires are rapidly transforming forests from carbon sinks to super-emitters due to warming and drought conditions. Planting trees can even increase wildfire risk in some cases.
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.
New report provides critical support for Arizona wildfire and post-fire flood response
A new guidebook from Northern Arizona University provides essential support for individuals and communities affected by wildfires in Arizona. The comprehensive resource covers topics such as insurance, erosion control, emotional recovery, financial aid, and more to help residents recover from the aftermath of these devastating events.
Health care workers, firefighters have increased PFAS levels, study finds
A study found moderate elevations of certain PFAS in health care workers' blood, with notably higher odds of detecting Sb-PFOA and PFDoA compared to other professions. Firefighters had the highest concentrations of PFAS, specifically concentrations of PFHxS, Sm-PFOS, n-PFOS and PFHpS.
Climate change increases the risk of simultaneous wildfires
The risk of wildfires is increasing due to climate change, leading to overlapping fire weather seasons in the two regions. The number of simultaneous fire weather days has been increasing by one day per year for the past 40 years, with projections suggesting an increase of up to 29 days per year by mid-century.
New study reveals how to make prescribed forest fires burn safer and cleaner
Scientists at Stanford University suggest reducing health implications of prescribed burns by fine-tuning three conditions: moisture content, heat intensity, and oxygen levels. This can slash PAH emissions by up to 77% and cut cancer risks from smoke exposure by over 50%.
New study reveals how to make prescribed forest fires burn safer and cleaner
Scientists at Stanford University have discovered a method to perform prescribed burns with drastically reduced health implications by adjusting burn conditions. By tweaking moisture, heat, and oxygen levels, PAH emissions can be slashed by up to 77%, cutting cancer risks from smoke exposure by over 50%.
Bar-Ilan University researchers develop AI model to predict lightning-induced wildfires with unprecedented accuracy
Researchers develop AI model to predict lightning-induced wildfires with over 90% accuracy, integrating data from satellites, weather systems, and environmental factors. The model has the potential to transform emergency response and disaster management worldwide, saving lives and preserving ecosystems.
Research news from the Ecological Society of America
Research articles explore relative effectiveness of wildfire fuel treatments, geese impact on Arctic breeding grounds, bumble bee foraging behavior in agricultural areas, and the discovery of epiphytes in cities.
The war in Ukraine led to the destruction of almost 1,600 square kilometers of forests
The research analyzed satellite images and machine learning to detect forest loss in Ukraine during the war. The study found that Ukraine lost over 800 km² of forests in 2022 and 772 km² in 2023, mainly due to fires in war-torn regions.
Burning question: How to save an old-growth forest in Tahoe
Researchers found that prescribed fire and forest thinning can greatly improve the stand's resistance to catastrophic fire, reducing fuel loads and mortality. The study also suggests that conserving old-growth forests requires active management to replicate essential ecological roles of fire.
Burning question: How to save an old-growth forest in Tahoe
Researchers found that forest thinning followed by a prescribed burn can greatly improve the stand's resistance to catastrophic fire. This approach is crucial for conserving old-growth forests in seasonally dry regions, as it replicates the essential ecological roles of fire.
Beyond the burn: Harvesting dead wood to reduce wildfires and store carbon
A study by Florida Atlantic University investigated how removing dead wood could reduce wildfire risks and enhance carbon storage. The research found that combining physical harvesting with thinning significantly reduced wildfire risks, while lowering carbon emissions and offering carbon sequestration through products like biochar.
New computer model can predict the length of a household's displacement in any U.S. community after a disaster
A new study developed a computer model to predict household displacement duration in US communities after disasters, accounting for socioeconomic factors. The model combines physical damage estimates with socioeconomic characteristics to help inform risk mitigation strategies.