Wildfires No Longer 'Sleep' At Night As Climate Change Is Fueling Fires To Rage Well After Dark
A new study finds that climate change is causing wildfires to burn longer into the night, reducing the window for firefighters to gain control. The number of hours favorable for wildfire activity has increased by 36% over 50 years, with the West showing the most significant rise.
Wildfires are no longer following their traditional daily cycle, intensifying during the day and slowing at night. Climate change is extending the number of hours favorable for wildfire activity, with a 36% increase over 50 years across North America. The West has seen the most significant rise in potential burning hours. As nights warm faster than days, vegetation remains dry, and fires continue to spread overnight. Firefighters are losing their window of opportunity to gain control, leading to more rapid fire growth and extreme behavior. The shift in wildfire behavior is resulting in more continuous fires with fewer natural breaks in activity.
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