US Wildfire Season 2024: Experts Warn of Water Disruption, Loss of Basic Necessities Due to Wildfire Outbreak Threats

Wildfire season is approaching again in the United States, as the annual meteorological summer season in the country and other parts of the northern hemisphere starts in June. Characterized by scorching temperatures, the season is often associated with extreme heat waves, prolonged droughts, and raging wildland fires. These natural disasters have become evident in recent years.

As the spring season since March is about to end, US weather authorities in recent months have warned about the potential impacts brought by the looming summer heat. This week alone, experts from the University of Oregon have warned residents in the western part of the US against wildfire outbreak threats; which may result in water disruption and loss of basic necessities.

In recent years, US wildfires have resulted in human casualties and property damage. Fueled by fire weather conditions, the National Weather Service (NWS) is often issuing alerts, watches, and warnings pertaining to the risk posed by ongoing or emerging blaze in a given area. Earlier in 2024, the largest wildfire in Texas, called Smokehouse Creek Fire, burnt over 1 million acres of land.

US Wildfire Season 2024

The US wildfire season of 2024 has been forecasted to be below average but still poses some risks. Experts from the University of Oregon warned residents of the West of the arrival of the most active period for wildfires. The university adds the risk of disruptive repercussions for residents, including the loss of basic necessities, as mentioned earlier. Life-threatening risks associated with the fire season also remain an issue.

In addition to wildfire outbreaks, other natural disasters such as drought and heat wave can impact different sectors of the country in the coming months. On Monday, May 27, it has been reported that millions in the US are also facing a threat from extreme heat or dangerous heat waves in the coming weeks.

This comes after weather authorities have forecasted another summer of record-breaking temperatures in the US this year. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), most parts of New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Texas, and Colorado will be the potentially hardest-hit states during the upcoming season.

Wildfire Casualties and Damage

Wildfires can be caused by both anthropogenic and weather/climatic factors. However, prevailing data shows an increase in frequency and severity of fires in different regions of the US, including the drought-stricken Southwest. In 2023, US wildfire events killed 183 people nationwide between January and September, adding over 500 wildfire-related deaths in the country since 1990.

Also last year, a series of deadly blazes, known as the 2023 Hawaii wildfires, took place mostly in the state's island of Maui. It was in August 2023 (at the height of the wildfire season) when multiple wildfires erupted, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 people and the destruction of over 2,000 structures. Meteorologists blame dry and gusty conditions as contributing factors to the eruption of the fires.