A Wildfire is an unpredictable fire that can cause the burning of vegetation including forests, shrublands and grasslands. While wildfires are a sensitive topic for many, fire has historically played a crucial role in the management and regeneration of natural ecosystems, improving the habitat’s biodiversity.
In today’s era of social media and advanced technology, we are more connected than ever, witnessing firsthand the impacts wildfires have on communities and environments around the globe, with currently the California fires being one of the most destructive fires experienced in the USA and wildfires in Greece causing a 66% loss in trees. As wildfires continue to destroy land, homes, and ecosystems, it is essential to understand them and learn how to mitigate the dangers that come from what seems to be an unavoidable threat.
Top reasons to be aware of and how to help
Human Activity
The number one reason for the spreading of wildfires are often caused by human activity, with “90% of all wildfires across the globe being caused by humans with 30% of those starting as a deliberate act of arson and 70% starting accidentally” 1
Deliberate acts of arson can be a great influential factor as many can monetarily benefit from a fire such as to escape obligations. Many other reasons such as revenge or insurance fraud can also be great factors that could begin a fire and affect victims close by. But what should be noted and feared most is that most of the fires are those that start accidently as these are more difficult to predict and control.
These accidental fires can arise from various situations, such as land managers failing to supervise controlled burns, faulty machinery sparking flames, or a lack of fire safety education leading to improper land management practices. Even something as simple as an unsupervised campfire or discarded cigarette can quickly escalate into a wildfire, causing irreparable damage to landscapes and communities.
Climate Change
Temperature and drought soil moisture are key factors that influence wildfires, and these are also the main aspects being impacted by climate change. Rising temperatures lead to drier conditions, making vegetation more flammable, while reduced soil moisture weakens the land’s ability to retain water, further fueling fires and affecting “the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, including women, children, ethnic minorities, poor communities, migrants or displaced persons, older populations and those with underlying health conditions”2
With the overutilization of plastics, burning fossil fuels and deforestation, we're putting an immense strain on the environment. These actions release harmful chemicals and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere like carbon monoxide, contributing to climate change, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. As a result, ecosystems are disrupted, and biodiversity is threatened, leading to wildfires becoming not only more intense but also more unpredictable and harder to manage.
Urban Expansion and the Wildland-Urban Interface
As cities and towns continue to grow, many are expanding into areas that were once wild or sparsely developed, creating what is known as the wildland-urban interface. Urban expansion is commonly seen as a positive aspect of development. Therefore, it has a greater risk compared to pollution that is already seen as a negative factor affecting the ecosystem. Urban expansion, on the other hand, is often associated with a nation’s financial success, encouraging further development while hiding the dangers it brings.
These risks, such as increased wildfire vulnerability and the destruction of natural habitats, are not always immediately visible or acknowledged, even as communities continue to push the boundaries of development. The focus on growth and financial achievement tends to overshadow the long-term environmental consequences, including the increased exposure to natural disasters like wildfires, which can devastate both urban and wildland areas.
How Can We Help?
There are many actions we can take right now to reduce wildfire risks and support those affected by their devastating impact. The first step is raising awareness and implementing preventative measures, from reducing plastic consumption to advocating for leaders who prioritize climate change and the environment. By spreading the word about the challenges people are facing, we can start addressing the problem at its core.
From there, we can focus on providing tangible support, whether it’s aiding those affected by the fires, restoring burned forests, rebuilding damaged infrastructure or aiding firefighters.
Join the European Fire Prevention & Rural Preservation in our mission to provide aid to those suffering from the devastating impact of wildfires. Through the Olympus Project, we are working to help communities in Greece, a forested, mountainous country devastated by scorching heat and wildfires that regularly lead to evacuations and lost lives.
Your support can make a real difference..
...in protecting vulnerable areas and offering hope to those in need by providing aid to the fire fighters who are currently in the front lines risking their lives to save those affected by the number of fires.
Image credit: The Athlantic
