Costly and Deadly Wildfires Really Are on the Rise, New Research Finds

The study finds that the frequency and intensity of wildfires have increased significantly in recent years, particularly over the past decade. The research attributes this rise to the effects of climate change, which has led to drier and hotter conditions that are more conducive to the spread of wildfires. The findings show that the number of large wildfires, defined as those that burn more than 1,000 acres, has increased by over 40% since the 1980s. Moreover, the total area burned by these fires has doubled during the same period. The study highlights the significant human and economic toll of these wildfires, with an increase in both lives lost and property damage. Experts emphasize the urgent need for policymakers and communities to address the underlying causes of climate change and implement effective strategies to mitigate the growing threat of wildfires.
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