Western U.S. Wildfires Decline in Number but Burn More Acres, Study Finds
Western U.S. Wildfires Decline in Number but Burn More Acres, Study Finds
US · Published Jun 4, 2026
A recent study led by Amirhossein Montazeri, a PhD student at Boise State University, reveals a paradoxical trend in wildfire activity across the western United States.
While the total number of wildfires has decreased by 31% between 1992 and 2020, the acreage burned has risen by 40%.

Why It's Important?

The findings underscore the growing risks posed by larger and more intense wildfires, which threaten ecosystems, property, and human lives. The increase in acreage burned and fire intensity is linked to climate change, which exacerbates dry and warm conditions conducive to fire growth. Communities in the western U.S., particularly in states like Idaho, Colorado, and Nevada, face heightened risks of property damage, air quality degradation, and potential evacuations. Land managers must navigate these challenges while balancing prescribed burns and fire suppression strategies to mitigate risks.

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