Wildfires have always been a part of nature—a way for the environment to break down the old and replace it with the new. Sadly, because of climate change, wildfires are happening far more frequently, and nature is having a hard time keeping up with restoring what has been lost. The climate is shifting, and wildfires will continue to burn brightly until something is done. Of course, knowledge is power, and understanding the connection between climate change and wildfires will help prevent them in the future.
Rising Temperatures
The biggest factor influencing the increase in wildfires is the worldwide rise in average temperatures. These high temps have been exacerbated by the continued burning of coal, gas, and other fossil fuels, causing the greenhouse effect, which traps heat under an invisible shield. The greenhouse effect leads to higher temperatures, which in turn causes a warming effect that dries out vegetation. Dry vegetation becomes fuel itself, ready to go up in smoke at the first spark, lightning strike, or abandoned campfire.
Rain, Rain, Going Away
The next factor that causes a rise in wildfires is changes in precipitation patterns. Climate change has led to longer periods of drought in many places. Less moisture means an increased risk of ignition, and the absence of water also means less ability to put out subsequent flames. Simultaneously, as wind speeds increase, sparks and flames are carried further through dry lands. The longer the stretches of dry, drought-afflicted land, the further the flames travel, turning a small, localized fire into an uncontrolled blaze.
A Vicious Cycle
As wildfire happens, they create further conditions for big blazes. Wildfires release smoke and particulates, yes, but they also generate carbon dioxide. That carbon dioxide escapes into the atmosphere, which perpetuates the cycle of retaining greenhouse gases, leading to further climate change, less water, and more wildfires. These wildfires increase in intensity and devastation, and the process starts again and again.
The Ongoing Destruction
Wildfires do more than burn down trees and brush. The fires disrupt and even threaten biodiversity among plants and animals by directly killing them or devastating habitats. And human beings aren’t left untouched, even if they live far from natural areas. Wildfires contribute to air and water pollution and can economically harm nearby towns, cities, and other communities, which are then forced to rebuild their infrastructure. Clearly, a response is needed to fight wildfires and climate change, and that response should have happened yesterday.
As such, a multifaceted plan is required, consisting of new, effective strategies in forest management, urban planning, and emergency fire response teams. The latter often stops fires before they start through surveillance, controlled burns, and other techniques. Ensuring these teams are properly set up with protective clothing, like NFPA wildland gloves and other firefighting equipment, is a necessity.
Those are just a few thoughts about the connection between climate change and wildfires. Help wildland firefighters and the communities they serve stop the spread of wildfires by offering your support on the local, regional, and federal levels. Together, we can create a safer future.