Understanding the Surge in Wildfires
According to Firas Saleh, the Director of Wildfire Models for North America at Moody’s, a credit rating agency known for its financial analysis, the United States has already experienced 7,112 wildfires in 2025. This represents a significant increase of approximately 37% compared to the decade-long average for the same timeframe. This alarming surge is not an isolated event but rather part of a larger, unsettling trend that underscores the growing frequency and unpredictability of wildfires nationwide.
Extended Wildfire Seasons
Traditionally, the wildfire season spanned four months. However, due to factors like climate change and evolving weather patterns, the season has now extended to six to eight months in various regions. Rising temperatures lead to earlier snowmelt, and delayed autumn rains result in prolonged droughts, thereby escalating wildfire risks. Consequently, wildfires are no longer restricted to conventional fire-prone areas; states such as the Carolinas, New Jersey, New York, California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Tennessee are increasingly affected.
Emerging Wildfire Zones
The increasing occurrence of wildfires in historically less vulnerable areas highlights the pressing necessity for risk preparedness extending beyond traditionally affected regions. As Saleh notes, the heightened wildfire activity in the Carolinas exemplifies this shift, underscoring the imperative for a more expansive and integrated approach to wildfire risk management.
Case Study: Los Angeles Wildfires
An illustrative example of this broader trend is the devastating January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. These fires starkly demonstrated the peril posed by urban conflagrations, where flames spread swiftly from one structure to another, fueled by high winds, dry vegetation, and proximity to urban settings. Saleh emphasizes that mitigating such risks necessitates a blend of improved infrastructure, advanced building materials, and proactive measures to tackle the root causes of wildfire activity.
Conclusion
In summary, the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires—evidenced by the rise in incidents in the Carolinas and the urban challenges witnessed in Los Angeles County—serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive wildfire risk management. As Firas Saleh highlights, addressing this issue extends beyond merely responding to fires as they occur; it involves preparing for a future where wildfires pose a more frequent and severe threat.
