Articles tagged with Wildfires
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.
NCAR will develop a revolutionary forecasting system to predict wildland fire behavior in Colorado, capturing critical feedbacks between fires and local weather. The system will provide unprecedented detail about interactions between weather and fire, helping firefighters and the public.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
The 2015 Alaska fire season has seen a record-breaking number of acres burned, surpassing 5 million, with eight smokejumpers dispatched to address increased activity. The fires have been monitored using NASA's Terra satellite, capturing detailed images of the affected areas.
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.
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.
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 that stratospheric intrusions bring extremely dry air from the upper atmosphere down to the surface, increasing fire danger. The intrusions were linked to a major wildfire in southern California, with ozone levels exceeding federal limits at monitoring sites.
A natural-color satellite image taken on July 05, 2015, shows the impact of Canadian wildfires on the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Finals in Vancouver. The smoke from three wildfires in the Boulder Creek Wildfire complex grew rapidly, blanketing the stadium and surrounding areas.
In July 2015, dozens of wildfires were reported in Canada's Northwest Territories, South Slave, Sahtu, Deh Cho, Inuvik, and Alberta regions, affecting over 270,000 hectares of land.
Two major wildfires are burning in California: the Lake Fire, which is 17,305 acres in size and has slowed its growth, and the smaller San Gorgonio Fire. The fires have forced the closure of hiking trails and caused air quality issues in surrounding areas.
Scientists have discovered that dinosaurs remained rare near the equator during the late Triassic period due to extreme climate fluctuations and wildfires that fueled hotter fires. The study revealed a pattern of rapid vegetation changes related to climate shifts, which led to droughts and plant die-offs.
Human-started fires account for nearly 90% of wildfires in the Northwest Territories, with 46 reported fires burning over 40,632 hectares. Preventing fires is crucial, and simple rules such as properly disposing of cigarettes and attending campfires can help prevent these incidents.
The Beaver Complex and July Complex wildfires in California have burned over 35,000 acres, with the Oregon Gulch Fire affecting 25,683 acres and the California fire burning 9,464 acres. The fires are currently 100% contained, but resources continue to be focused on hotspots.
NASA captured images of a large swath of smoke from Canadian wildfires hovering over the Great Lakes and settling over the Bay of Baffin, which borders Greenland. The fires have been raging this summer, with some smoke drifting southward into the US.
Researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory and Carnegie Mellon University uncover key attributes of brown carbon, a toxic airborne particle that warms the atmosphere. The study reveals that brown carbon shares a common production mechanism with black carbon, leading to significant underestimation of warming effects in climate models.
A blanket of heavy smoke covers dozens of wildfires in remote eastern Russia areas caused by lightning strikes. The fires spread rapidly, covering the landscape with no apparent stopping point.
The WIFIRE project is developing a cyberinfrastructure system that integrates dynamic wildfire models, sensor data, and computational techniques to monitor and predict wildfire behavior. This will enable situational awareness, responses, and decision support for local, state, national, and international levels.
A swath of smoke from Canadian fires drifted across the Great Lakes region of the U.S., with visible paths taken by the smoke as it moved southeastward. The smoke originated in Manitoba and parts of Ontario before crossing the lakes.
Satellite images from NASA's MODIS instrument reveal the extent of wildfires in Eastern Russia, showcasing burn scars as reddish-brown splotches amidst green landscapes. The fires have ravaged remote areas of the Sakha Republic, with smoke and flames visible even in false-color images.
Seven large fires are burning in the Southeast, with six located in Oklahoma and one in Louisiana. Prescribed fires account for the majority of these fires, reducing wildfire damage and improving habitat, according to land management officials.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology suggests that increased wildfires due to climate change will have significant impacts on air quality and human health. By 2100, emissions from wildfires in California are expected to grow by 19-101%, posing challenges for agriculture and ecosystems.
Researchers create a new computer model that combines cutting-edge simulations of weather and fire with satellite observations to predict the extent and behavior of wildfires. The technique, called CAWFE, allows for updated forecasts every 12 hours, enabling accurate predictions throughout a fire's lifetime.
Researchers at NCAR and University of Maryland create a new model that combines weather simulations with satellite observations to predict wildfire growth. The model can produce accurate forecasts every 12 hours, improving prediction tools for large, intense wildfires.
Portugal's Serra da Estrela National Park was finally brought under control after 24 hours of fighting, but one firefighter killed and nine injured. The fires have destroyed over 31,000 hectares this year, according to Portugal's conservation institute.
A trio of fires in Northern California continues to burn, with the Corral Complex fire spanning over 2,500 acres. The Salmon River Complex has burned over 13,500 acres, with firefighters working to contain it. Crews are prioritizing structure protection and preparing for potential ignitions to strengthen containment lines.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new framework for evaluating human influences on wildfires is developed to inform sustainable fire management practices. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding relative influences of climate, human ignition sources, and cultural practices in particular environments.
Tropical Storms Nate and Lee are affecting the Gulf of Mexico, while raging wildfires in Texas are also being monitored. The National Hurricane Center forecasts Nate to become a hurricane and make landfall in Mexico this weekend.
A large-scale meteorological event, an abnormal Rossby wave, sparked extreme heat in Russia and unusual downstream wind patterns that shifted rainfall in the Indian monsoon region, fueling heavy flooding in Pakistan. The study analyzed satellite data to show the connection between the two events.
A new CU-Boulder study finds that a major climate oscillation in the Southern Hemisphere is expected to increase wildfire activity in southern South America. The research team used tree rings dating back 500 years to track past wildfire activity, revealing widespread fires in Patagonia during periods of positive SAM phase.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed methodological protocols to improve information flow during wildfires, enabling more efficient and effective responses. The study found that sharing information is essential to avoid injury or loss of life, protect assets, and maintain vital services.
Undergrad engineers at UCR are researching water quality, wildfires, and materials for new medical devices. The Summer Bridge program aims to increase STEM diversity and support Hispanic and low-income students.
Researchers recommend using water conservatively and developing ways to harness energy from the sun, wind, and Earth to cope with projected climate changes in the West and Southwest. The region is expected to experience widespread drought, wildfires, and decreasing snowpack.
Researchers aim to develop blanket protection for vulnerable homes, more effective and environmentally-friendly than traditional wildfire measures. The team has tested over 40 fabrics to determine the right material, design, thickness, and weight for protection.
Savanna chimpanzees in Senegal exhibit predictive behavior towards seasonal fires, avoiding the fire as it approaches. Researchers interpret this behavior as a cognitive stage similar to human understanding of fire control. The study provides insight into how early human ancestors may have developed fire control abilities.
A Georgia State University professor will use a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop an integrated model that combines wildfire, weather, and operational models. The model aims to provide firefighters with a decision-making tool for combating wildfires more effectively.
A new study finds that changes in vegetation can have a profound impact on fire occurrences, often overriding the effects of climate change. The research suggests that vegetation can alter the direct link between fuels and climate.
A new study led by Montana State University researcher Philip Higuera finds that changes in vegetation can either reduce or increase the risk of wildfires, even under climate change. The research suggests that considering vegetation's impact on fire regimes is crucial for predicting future wildfire patterns.
A study by UC Irvine researchers reveals a significant increase in hospital admissions for asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory disorders during Southern California wildfires. Heavy smoke conditions were associated with a 34% rise in asthma admissions and a 67% surge in acute bronchitis admissions.
Researchers will investigate the effects of climate change on biodiversity, wildfires, and people in the Pacific Northwest using two multi-site projects. They aim to develop policies that protect people from wildfire while conserving and protecting biodiversity.
A new study by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research finds that wildfires can boost ozone pollution to levels violating US health standards. The research focused on California wildfires in 2007 and found that they repeatedly caused ground-level ozone to spike to unhealthy levels across a broad area.
A new study by the University of Oregon suggests that climate change has been the main driver of global biomass burning for the past two millennia. Human activities such as land clearance and fire suppression during the industrial era also contributed to a significant decline in wildfires worldwide between 1870 and 1970.
Researchers at University of Missouri use tree rings to determine that massive wildfires in Canada caused the infamous 'New England Dark Day' in 1780. The study combines written accounts and fire scar evidence to provide a scientific explanation for this mysterious event.