Infernos sweep Sardinia and Greek islands amid heatwave

Wildfires on the rise

Wildfires on the rise, Santa Ana winds, A growing toll, Climate change, Human activity, Western states, Fighting fire with fire, Worsening fire risks, Disinfecting the forest, The importance of early evacuation, Wildfire masks and breathing tips, Flood risks after wildfires

The number of people who are vulnerable to wildfires has doubled in the last two decades. Near Los Angeles, recent wildfires have forced mass evacuations, and these fast-moving disasters are posing an ever-growing threat to both people and infrastructures.

Santa Ana winds

Wildfires on the rise, Santa Ana winds, A growing toll, Climate change, Human activity, Western states, Fighting fire with fire, Worsening fire risks, Disinfecting the forest, The importance of early evacuation, Wildfire masks and breathing tips, Flood risks after wildfires

The region’s seasonal Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching 100 mph (160 km/h), amplify wildfire risks. These hot, dry winds not only spread embers far but also create formidable challenges for firefighters trying to control or contain the raging infernos.

A growing toll

Wildfires on the rise, Santa Ana winds, A growing toll, Climate change, Human activity, Western states, Fighting fire with fire, Worsening fire risks, Disinfecting the forest, The importance of early evacuation, Wildfire masks and breathing tips, Flood risks after wildfires

In the past two decades, wildfires in the United States have destroyed an average of seven million acres annually, doubling damage from the 1990s. On the other hand, Africa accounts for the highest share of burned area in the world, typically 6% to 8% annually, which is up to 926,000 sq. miles (2.4 million sq. km).

Climate change

Wildfires on the rise, Santa Ana winds, A growing toll, Climate change, Human activity, Western states, Fighting fire with fire, Worsening fire risks, Disinfecting the forest, The importance of early evacuation, Wildfire masks and breathing tips, Flood risks after wildfires

Hotter and drier conditions driven by climate change increase wildfire frequency and size. Rising temperatures pull moisture from soil and vegetation, which creates a vicious cycle that fuels larger, more destructive, and longer-lasting wildfires around the world.

Human activity

Wildfires on the rise, Santa Ana winds, A growing toll, Climate change, Human activity, Western states, Fighting fire with fire, Worsening fire risks, Disinfecting the forest, The importance of early evacuation, Wildfire masks and breathing tips, Flood risks after wildfires

Human actions (including campfires, discarded cigarettes, and arson) cause 85–90% of wildfires. Although natural causes like lightning also spark fires, preventing human-caused incidents could significantly reduce the number of wildfires and their destructive potential.

1. Fuel

Wildfires on the rise, Santa Ana winds, A growing toll, Climate change, Human activity, Western states, Fighting fire with fire, Worsening fire risks, Disinfecting the forest, The importance of early evacuation, Wildfire masks and breathing tips, Flood risks after wildfires

The more fuel available (like dry vegetation, trees, or even homes), the more intense a wildfire becomes. Regions like California or Africa’s Sahel, with vast areas of flammable materials, face higher risks of large-scale, uncontrollable fires threatening ecosystems and communities.

3. Heat

Wildfires on the rise, Santa Ana winds, A growing toll, Climate change, Human activity, Western states, Fighting fire with fire, Worsening fire risks, Disinfecting the forest, The importance of early evacuation, Wildfire masks and breathing tips, Flood risks after wildfires

Wildfires often begin when heat, from sources like lightning or a cigarette, reaches fuel and causes combustion. This ignition process is critical to starting a fire, and it also highlights the dangers of careless actions or extreme weather conditions.

Western states

Wildfires on the rise, Santa Ana winds, A growing toll, Climate change, Human activity, Western states, Fighting fire with fire, Worsening fire risks, Disinfecting the forest, The importance of early evacuation, Wildfire masks and breathing tips, Flood risks after wildfires

Western US states, including California, Montana, and Oregon, experience the worst wildfires in the United States. Frequent droughts, high temperatures, and lightning storms create prime conditions, making this region a hot spot for large and devastating wildfires.

Fighting fire with fire

Wildfires on the rise, Santa Ana winds, A growing toll, Climate change, Human activity, Western states, Fighting fire with fire, Worsening fire risks, Disinfecting the forest, The importance of early evacuation, Wildfire masks and breathing tips, Flood risks after wildfires

Firefighters sometimes use controlled burns to stop wildfires. These backfires remove flammable vegetation, creating gaps in foliage known as firebreaks to prevent the spread of larger, uncontrolled blazes.

Worsening fire risks

Wildfires on the rise, Santa Ana winds, A growing toll, Climate change, Human activity, Western states, Fighting fire with fire, Worsening fire risks, Disinfecting the forest, The importance of early evacuation, Wildfire masks and breathing tips, Flood risks after wildfires

Global warming has heightened wildfire risks. Persistent heat and decreased rainfall dry out vegetation, while rising temperatures extend fire seasons. These shifts mean wildfires are now a year-round hazard instead of a seasonal threat.

Disinfecting the forest

Wildfires on the rise, Santa Ana winds, A growing toll, Climate change, Human activity, Western states, Fighting fire with fire, Worsening fire risks, Disinfecting the forest, The importance of early evacuation, Wildfire masks and breathing tips, Flood risks after wildfires

Wildfires also serve as a natural disinfectant by clearing ecosystems of disease-infected plants and harmful insects. Indeed, some plant species around the world rely heavily on fire to allow them to grow.

The importance of early evacuation

Wildfires on the rise, Santa Ana winds, A growing toll, Climate change, Human activity, Western states, Fighting fire with fire, Worsening fire risks, Disinfecting the forest, The importance of early evacuation, Wildfire masks and breathing tips, Flood risks after wildfires

When wildfires approach, leaving early is critical. Evacuation saves lives by ensuring people are far from danger before fires spread. Delays can be deadly, as fires can overtake even vehicles on narrow or crowded roads.

Wildfire masks and breathing tips

Wildfires on the rise, Santa Ana winds, A growing toll, Climate change, Human activity, Western states, Fighting fire with fire, Worsening fire risks, Disinfecting the forest, The importance of early evacuation, Wildfire masks and breathing tips, Flood risks after wildfires

Taking air quality precautions is also extremely important. An N95 mask helps reduce smoke inhalation during wildfires, but if unavailable, breathing through a wet cloth can also protect lungs from harmful particles.

Flood risks after wildfires

Wildfires on the rise, Santa Ana winds, A growing toll, Climate change, Human activity, Western states, Fighting fire with fire, Worsening fire risks, Disinfecting the forest, The importance of early evacuation, Wildfire masks and breathing tips, Flood risks after wildfires

With vegetation burned away, areas affected by wildfires face increased flood risks. Loose soil and lack of plant cover allow water to flow freely, threatening nearby communities with mudslides or flash floods during rains. It is imperative to remain vigilant even after the danger seems to have passed.

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