US fires became larger, more frequent, and more widespread in the 2000s

Recent fires have fueled concerns that regional and global warming trends are leading to more extreme burning. We found compelling evidence that average fire events in regions of the United States are up to four times the size, triple the frequency, and more widespread in the 2000s than in the previous two decades. Moreover, the most extreme fires are also larger, more common, and more likely to co-occur with other extreme fires. This documented shift in burning patterns across most of the country aligns with the palpable change in fire dynamics noted by the media, public, and fire-fighting officials.

Automated summary

Recent fires have raised concerns about the impact of regional and global warming on extreme burning. Research shows that average fire events in the United States have increased in size and frequency, and have become more widespread in the 2000s compared to the previous two decades. The most severe fires have also grown in size, frequency, and tendency to co-occur with other extreme fires. These findings align with the observed changes in fire dynamics noted by the media, public, and fire-fighting officials.