Wildfires can be caused and spread by:

  • Lightning
  • Human activities (e.g. campfires)
  • Tornados
  • Windy days
  • Dry conditions
  • Climate change
Large campfire in a field at sunset.

Wildfires & Climate Change

Human activities are causing our planet’s climate to change, making weather very different than before.

Large fire in the background of a forest, trees are black silhouettes

Trees usually act as “carbon sinks,” which means they absorb more carbon dioxide than they release. But when they’re on fire, they release their stored carbon, which increases the greenhouse effect and makes global warming even worse.

As climate change progresses, ideal conditions for wildfires—such as strong winds and extreme dryness—become more frequent.

The Influence of Climate Change

Wildfires and the impact of climate change are part of a cycle of change.

  1. Weather gets more extreme from a changing climate
  2. More wildfires start and spread from dry conditions, lightning strikes, tornados or windy days
  3. As forests burn down, lower numbers of trees absorb less carbon
  4. More greenhouse gasses are released into the air
  5. The climate continues to warm
  6. Weather gets more extreme, starting the cycle all over again

THINK-PAIR-SHARE

How do you think climate change may impact how we manage wildfires safely?