Wildfires Can Become More Frequent in Western US, New Research Warns

The western US can likely experience more frequent and intense wildfires due to warm temperatures and climate change, urging for efficient efforts to prevent fires.

Western US is no stranger to extreme weather events. In California, widespread wildfires and bushfires can cause devastating damage to forests, trees, ecosystems and communities.

The frequency of fires can make it challenging for people and animals to prepare and survive. As a result, effective protection efforts are crucial to prevent significant impacts.

Wildfires Can Become More Frequent

(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Controlled burn training in San Rafael, California. A recent report warned that wildfires could intensify and become more frequent in the Western US due to warming temperatures and climate change. Firefighters and Americans should be prepared to prevent the emergence of fires. Furthermore, the problems of climate change can exacerbate the wildfires. Extreme drought, warm temperatures and strong winds can unleash deadly wildfires in dry vegetation in the Western US.

The drought and wildfires in California killed the rare Joshua Tree. Reports noted that at least 36 million trees in the region died from fires and prolonged drought.

As a result, researchers from the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education and the University of Washington observed the wildfires in the Western US and the increasing concerns of effective management of fires.

The findings were published in the International Journal of Wildland Fire, focusing on the fires reaching about 1,000 acres or more.

According to the report, one of the main concerns is the simultaneous or multiple wildfire risks. It can become challenging for firefighters to control the burning. NCAR scientist Seth McGinnis warned that the simultaneous wildfires could increase, making them more frequent in the Western US. McGinnis is also the study's lead author.

Furthermore, the problems of climate change can exacerbate the wildfires. Extreme drought, warm temperatures and strong winds can unleash deadly wildfires in dry vegetation in the Western US.

Climate change can also influence precipitation patterns. The little to lack of rainfall can become devastating for communities.

As a result, the study emphasized the effective fire response and adaptations to address simultaneous fires in the country. Meanwhile, people can also prevent deadly fires by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and observing the fire bans in forests.

The fires can cause harmful smoke for many Americans, bringing unhealthy air quality. People with medical conditions and older adults are at risk of poor air conditions.

According to a new study published in Ecosphere, wildfires can emerge due to drought and limited humidity. The report warned that land ecosystems could be affected.

Climate Change-Fueled Disasters

As the El Nino begins, it can worsen the impacts of climate-induced weather events. Intense heat can affect Americans' mental health. The challenging heat waves can make survival more difficult for species and animals.

In the US, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is expected to allot about 3 billion in budget to improve communities resiliency.