Blog

Wildfires are an increasing threat to communities across the world, particularly in fire-prone regions like the Pacific Northwest. Driven by a combination of climate change, increased development in wildland-urban interface areas, and changing land management practices, wildfires are becoming larger, more frequent, and more destructive. While wildfires are an inevitable part of nature, homeowners can take significant steps to minimize the risk to their homes and reduce their vulnerability.

Wildfires have always been a natural part of many ecosystems, particularly in regions with dry, hot climates. These fires play an essential role in maintaining the health of forests, grasslands, and shrublands by clearing dead vegetation, promoting new growth, and cycling nutrients back into the soil. However, over the past decade, wildfires have become more frequent, larger, and more intense than ever before. Headlines of devastating fires have dominated the news each year, from the Western United States to Australia and parts of Europe. But what’s behind this increase, and why are wildfires becoming more prevalent? Let’s dive into the science to understand the underlying factors.