{"id":1077,"date":"2020-12-18T10:07:33","date_gmt":"2020-12-18T10:07:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=1077"},"modified":"2024-02-18T16:05:23","modified_gmt":"2024-02-18T16:05:23","slug":"wildfire-statistics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wildfire-statistics\/","title":{"rendered":"39 Relevant Wildfire Statistics to Read up (2024 UPDATE)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wildfire statistics show that several factors impact the current number of dangerous wildfires. However, it&#8217;s confirmed that people are responsible for most fires that get out of control.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below, you will find the most up-to-date statistics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='top-10-wildfire-and-forest-fire-statistics-to-get-the-facts-straight'><b>Top 10 Wildfire and Forest Fire Statistics to Get the Facts Straight<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2020, there were <a href=\"#57,000 forest fires\">57,000 forest fires<\/a> in the US.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deaths related to wildfire smoke inhalation could <a href=\"#increase to 40,000 per year\">increase to 40,000 per year<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0In 1999, a single discarded cigarette caused <a href=\"#39 deaths in France\">39 deaths in France<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#5 million hectares\">5 million hectares<\/a> were burned in Australia during the 2020 summer season.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over <a href=\"#400,000 hectares\">400,000 hectares<\/a> of Europe\u2019s natural land burned in 2019 fires.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#183 arsonists have been arrested\">183 arsonists have been arrested<\/a> since the bushfire season started.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There were over <a href=\"#80,000 fires in Brazil\">80,000 fires in Brazil<\/a> in 2019.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Jamanxim National Forest fires <a href=\"#increased by 355%\">increased by 355%<\/a> over one year.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2019 has had the <a href=\"#highest number of recorded fires\">highest number of recorded fires<\/a> since 2010.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About <a href=\"#1.25 billion animals died\">1.25 billion animals died<\/a> in the recent bushfires.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s a lot of misinformation about forest fires out there. It\u2019s essential to separate the facts from the conspiracies and political wars that take on a life of their own when these tragedies occur.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='general-global-wildfire-statistics'><b>General Global Wildfire Statistics<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wildfires are a part of nature, and nothing can be done to stop them from happening entirely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The only thing that can be done is to keep them under control. And take preventive measures to keep them from taking on a life of their own and causing irreversible damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proper education and preparedness are essential for controlling forest fires. So is fast action by governments for preserving lives and preventing damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='1-there-was-a-25-decrease-in-area-burned-between-2003-and-2019-according-to-global-wildfire-statistics-from-2020'><b>1. There was a 25% decrease in area burned between 2003 and 2019, according to global wildfire statistics from 2020.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Forbes)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wildfires have been raging in Australia and the Amazon. Still, NASA shows that there&#8217;s been an overall decrease in the burnt area.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just in Africa alone between 2003 and 2015, the burned area declined by 270,000 square miles\u2014or approximately the size of Texas. As we can see, governments&#8217; tactics to prevent the spread of wildfires are working.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='2-in-2020-there-were-57000-forest-fires-in-the-us'><b>2. In 2020, there were 57,000 forest fires in the US.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(iii)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wildfire statistics for 2021 show a considerable increase in U.S. wildfires in 2020 compared to 50,477 fires in 2019.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than 10.3 million acres burned throughout 2020, in contrast to the nearly 4.7 million in 2019.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This includes the August Complex Fire, one of California&#8217;s most massive wildfires in the state\u2019s history, with 1.03 million acres burned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Along with the Camp Fire, which became the most destructive and deadliest in state history. Camp Fire statistics reveal it killed 85 people.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='3-deaths-related-to-wildfire-smoke-inhalation-could-increase-to-40000-per-year-by-the-end-of-this-century'><b>3. Deaths related to wildfire smoke inhalation could increase to 40,000 per year by the end of this century.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Phys.org)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wildfire deaths are difficult to calculate. The fire&#8217;s effects go beyond affecting the individuals immediately caught by the fire.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inhaling the smoke from wildfires not only damages human health, but it can also be deadly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The chronic inhalation of smoke causes about 15,000 wildfire deaths per year, according to 2018&#8217;s findings, and numbers are expected to increase.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wildfire smoke consists of a mixture of microscopic particles and gasses. They can cause many respiratory problems that worsen chronic lung and heart diseases.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='4-over-400000-hectares-of-europe%e2%80%99s-natural-land-burned-in-2019-fires'><b>4. Over 400,000 hectares of Europe\u2019s natural land burned in 2019 fires.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(European Commission, Euronews)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wildfire facts show that most of the burned area was located in Spain, Portugal, and Poland. With that said, 159,585 hectares of the burned area was protected land.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2019 also saw a three times increase in the number of fires compared to the year before.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There has, however, been a considerable decrease in the most affected countries since the 1980s.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='5-in-1999-a-single-discarded-cigarette-caused-39-deaths-in-france'><b>5. In 1999, a single discarded cigarette caused 39 deaths in France.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(DW, WHO)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s common for forest fires to be caused by cigarettes, statistics show.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A cigarette lit and then discarded from the window of a moving car in France resulted in fiery destruction in the Mont Blanc Tunnel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Millions of smokers light more than 6 trillion cigarettes globally every year. When they aren\u2019t disposed of properly, these cigarette butts risk starting a forest fire.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, smokers\u2019 lighters and matches falling into the wrong hands (such as young children) further increases the risk, according to fires caused by cigarettes statistics.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='6-611-people-were-killed-in-the-eu-wildfires-between-2000-and-2017'><b>6. 611 people were killed in the EU wildfires between 2000 and 2017.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(European Commission)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Statistics reveal that wildfires kill an average of 34 firefighters and civilians per year in the European Union.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='7-between-2011-and-2016-in-the-eu-forest-fire-prevention-costs-were-%e2%82%ac22-6-million-per-year-25-15-million'><b>7. Between 2011 and 2016 in the EU, forest fire-prevention costs were \u20ac22.6 million per year ($25.15 million).<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(European Commission)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After a major fire in Portugal, forest fires studies determined a mean annual rehabilitation cost of \u20ac38.9 million.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, wildfire information and facts show that a total of \u20ac135.8 million was spent on fire prevention from 2011 to 2016.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='8-smoke-from-the-wildfires-makes-coronavirus-even-more-dangerous'><b>8. Smoke from the wildfires makes Coronavirus even more dangerous.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(The Conversation)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/pollution-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wildfire smokes carry air pollutants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that are 50 times smaller than a grain of sand. These pollutants can settle deep into the lungs. They increase the risk of death, especially in people infected with Covid-19.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researchers at Harvard University\u2019s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that the risk of death increased 20 times for Covid-19 patients who inhaled wildfire smoke.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='australian-bushfires-and-wildfire-statistics'><b>Australian Bushfires and Wildfire Statistics<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Australian bushfires have received a lot of attention over the last couple of months, and with reason.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aside from it being one of the hottest summers on record, there\u2019s been a lot of human fault in the current state of the fires and the destruction we\u2019re seeing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The government didn&#8217;t take proper preventive action or offered firefighters enough support. It&#8217;s also been concluded that the fires are being started both intentionally and unintentionally.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='9-5-million-hectares-were-burned-in-australian-wildfires-during-the-2020-summer-season'><b>9. 5 million hectares were burned in Australian wildfires during the 2020 summer season.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(AP News)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This has already resulted in at least 19 people&#8217;s death and the destruction of over 1,400 homes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wildfire statistics by state from 2020 show the most affected area was New South Wales, where at least 445 homes were destroyed, followed by Victoria with dozens more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In just the two states, there were 10 confirmed deaths, with 28 more people missing in Victoria alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='10-963-people-signed-up-for-evacuation-by-sea-during-the-2020-australian-bushfires'><b>10. 963 people signed up for evacuation by sea during the 2020 Australian bushfires.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(AP News)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is in addition to the many more that have been evacuated by air.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The coastal town of Mallacoota, Victoria, was cut off from the world for days due to the wildfires.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This forced about 4,000 of its residents and tourists to find shelter from the fire on beaches. Residents and tourists were then brought to the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HMAS Choules<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='11-as-forest-fire-statistics-reveal-183-arsonists-have-been-arrested-since-the-bushfire-season-started'><b>11. As forest fire statistics reveal, 183 arsonists have been arrested since the bushfire season started.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(New York Post)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are some arguments about the validity of this number. Still, claims are that blazes were lit deliberately in the Shoal Haven region in NSW between July and September 2019.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A total of 101 people have been caught setting fires in the bush.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, most fires have been caused by people rather than natural causes such as lightning.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='12-the-summer-of-2019%e2%80%932020-in-australia-has-been-continuously-breaking-heat-records'><b>12. The summer of 2019\u20132020 in Australia has been continuously breaking heat records.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(BBC)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Australia continues to experience its worst drought recorded in recent history. Gradually, the temperatures in Australia have been going up, according to the map of Australian fires.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This confirms that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/global-warming-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">climate change is the ultimate culprit<\/a> for increasing the severity of natural disasters<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like droughts and bushfires.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='13-there-were-136-fires-still-burning-in-january-2020'><b>13. There were 136 fires still burning in January 2020.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Twitter)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the maps, 69 of the fires were still uncontained in New South Wales at the time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The media may be fast in revealing the latest news. Still, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has taken to Twitter to keep anyone interested in the current state of the bushfires up to date.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='14-its-estimated-that-30000-koalas-died-across-australia-according-to-the-current-australian-fires-map'><b>14. It&#8217;s estimated that 30,000 koalas died across Australia, according to the current Australian fires map.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(National Geographic)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rescues were abruptly interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. However, scientists from the University of Sydney estimate that a third of the species has died in the bushfires.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, about half of the koala population on Kangaroo Island died. Totaling approximately 25,000 animals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These numbers are catastrophic. However, the numbers of koala populations were stable enough to not worry about the species\u2019 potential extinction.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='15-eucalyptus-trees-are-partly-to-blame-for-the-uncontrollable-australian-bushfires'><b>15. Eucalyptus trees are partly to blame for the uncontrollable Australian bushfires.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Live Science)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forest fire facts show that the eucalyptus trees give the fires the needed fuel to grow uncontrollably.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eucalyptus oil is very flammable. When combined with dry foliage and wind, it can result in an explosive firestorm in minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='16-about-1-25-billion-animals-died-in-the-recent-bushfires'><b>16. About 1.25 billion animals died in the recent bushfires.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Gizmodo)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These wildfire statistics are based on a methodology developed in 2007 for a WWF report. It states that for every 1.6 million acres of land in Australia cleared (or in this case destroyed by fire), approximately 104 million animals die.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This includes the deaths of kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, wombats, snakes, and many more animals native Australia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all the animals in this number died in flames. Some will die from injuries, starvation, dehydration, and loss of habitat following the bushfires.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='amazon-rainforest-fire-facts'><b>Amazon Rainforest Fire Facts<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Amazon rainforest extends across 6.7 million square kilometers. For comparison, it\u2019s about twice the size of India.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It crosses eight countries&#8217; borders: Suriname, Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, and the territory of French Guiana.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Approximately 60% of the rainforest is within Brazilian borders. This is why Brazil has the most impact on protecting the rainforest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/factory-farming-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deforestation for factory farming<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has also been identified as one of the leading wildfire causes, as statistics for the Amazon reveal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='17-there-are-1173-threatened-animal-species-at-risk-in-the-amazon-rainforest'><b>17. There are 1,173 threatened animal species at risk in the Amazon rainforest.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(CNN)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Brazilian Environmental Ministry updated the Official National List of Endangered Species. It revealed that over 1,000 Amazon species are threatened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, there are 318 critically endangered species, just over 400 in danger, and nearly 450 vulnerable populations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main threat to these animals used to be the loss of habitat due to the expansion of agriculture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now they&#8217;re threatened by fires since the Amazon and the animals living in it aren&#8217;t adapted to surviving these conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='18-there-were-over-80000-fires-in-brazil-in-2019'><b>18. There were over 80,000 fires in Brazil in 2019.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(The Verge)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some interesting facts about wildfires show an unexpected increase in the number of fires in Brazil in 2019, with numbers going up in August.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For August, more wildfires were reported than ever recorded before. There was a near 80% jump from the records during the same period in 2018.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than half of the recorded fires in Brazil were fires that took place in the Amazon rainforest.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='19-bolsonaro-turned-down-more-than-22-million-in-help'><b>19. Bolsonaro turned down more than $22 million in help.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(The Verge)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emmanuel Macron shared his concern about Amazon\u2019s wildfires and called for action. He also pushed for international emergency talks regarding the Amazon during the G7 summit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As wildfire statistics from 2020 reveal, this resulted in the world\u2019s seven largest economies offering more than $22 million to Brazil on August 26.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bolsonaro turned down this offer. He and other Brazilians felt it would affect Brazil&#8217;s sovereignty and their authority over how the Amazon is controlled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since then, the aid has been under consideration, and Brazil accepted $12.2 million from the UK.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='20-the-jamanxim-national-forest-fires-increased-in-number-by-355-over-one-year'><b>20. The Jamanxim National Forest fires increased in number by 355% over one year.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Towards Data Science)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As global forest fire statistics reveal, the 2019 Amazon rainforest fires were very unusual in nature. They resulted in unprecedented destruction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of the more surprising numbers come from the very high fire counts in some of the most protected areas. The active fires increased by more than three-fold in the Jamanxim National Forest in just a year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Statistics further reveal that the fires in this area were 44% above the average, according to long-term findings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='21-the-latest-wildfire-facts-and-information-show-that-the-amazon-accounts-for-a-bit-under-10-of-the-world%e2%80%99s-oxygen'><b>21. The latest wildfire facts and information show that the Amazon accounts for a bit under 10% of the world\u2019s oxygen.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(BBC)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Amazon Rainforest is claimed to be the \u201clungs of the Earth.\u201d However, it&#8217;s a common misconception that it produces 20% of the world\u2019s oxygen is inaccurate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although it does provide a lot of oxygen, the truth is that the Amazon absorbs about half of it back through the respiration process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plus, the rainforest\u2019s soil, animals, and microbes use a lot of this oxygen too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Put simply, the Amazon ultimately absorbs back more or less the same oxygen it produces.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='22-2019-has-had-the-highest-number-of-recorded-fires-since-2010'><b>22. 2019 has had the highest number of recorded fires since 2010.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Mongabay)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to the number of wildfires per year, the data is shocking. There were a total of 41,858 recorded fires in August 2019 in the Brazilian Amazon. In 2010, there were 58,476 recorded fires.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless, 2019 isn\u2019t as bad as the numbers shown from the mid-2000s, when the number of recorded fires surpassed 60,000 yearly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, in 2005, El Nino caused an extreme drought that led to 94,780 reported fires in August.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='california-wildfire-statistics'><b>California Wildfire Statistics<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The last couple of years have been very harsh for California when it comes to forest fires getting out of control.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although a lot is being done to prevent and control them, there are many concerns about things potentially getting worse in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may already be aware of some of the statistics below, but some may surprise you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with all wildfires, there are different points of view about the dramatic fires recently. We&#8217;ve gathered some of the most critical facts you must know to stay up-to-date.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='23-the-history-of-california-wildfires-reveals-this-state-had-the-uss-harshest-fires'><b>23. The history of California wildfires reveals this state had the US&#8217;s harshest fires.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(The Data Face)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Between 1992 and 2015, Alaska and Idaho had massive wildfires that burned more acres on average than California\u2019s fires for the same period.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, in the summer of 2018, the Mendocino Complex Fire alone burned more than 450,000 acres, making it the largest fire in California history.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='24-currently-californias-2019800-properties-are-at-risk-from-wildfires'><b>24. Currently, California&#8217;s 2,019,800 properties are at risk from wildfires.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(iii)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The latest research reveals that California takes first place in the number of properties at risk. It&#8217;s followed by Texas with 717,800 properties and Colorado with 371,100 properties at risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Montana takes first place with 29% of properties at risk, and Idaho closely follows it with 26%.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[visualizer id=&#8221;1937&#8243;]<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From there, the numbers drop off to 17% for Colorado and 15% for California and New Mexico.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='25-according-to-further-california-wildfire-stats-it%e2%80%99s-estimated-that-over-20000-animals-were-affected-by-the-camp-fire-in-2018'><b>25. According to further California wildfire stats, it\u2019s estimated that over 20,000 animals were affected by the Camp Fire in 2018.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Wildfire Today)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to these numbers and the needed funds for second responder efforts, the CLIF Second Responder Fund was started.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fund&#8217;s first project provided the Butte community $1.5 million to break ground on a brand new Humane Society facility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The facility is intended to serve as an emergency center in future fires or other disasters in Northern California.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='26-2019%e2%80%99s-wildfire-statistics-show-that-806-us-fires-were-classified-as-significant-or-large'><b>26. 2019\u2019s wildfire statistics show that 806 US fires were classified as significant or large.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(FAS)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This makes up only 2% of all US fires, with 27 fires burning more than 40,000 acres and 11 fires burning more than 100,000 acres.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The harsh summer wildfires in California make up the majority of the numbers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The statistics reveal that just a year before, the US experienced larger and more significant fires.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the percentage was the same, the total number of significant and large fires was 1,167, with 48 burning more than 40,000 acres and 11 burning more than 100,000 acres.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='27-california-wildfires-statistics-show-have-led-to-11-4-billion-in-insurance-claims-for-losses-in-november-2019'><b>27. California wildfires, statistics show, have led to $11.4 billion in insurance claims for losses in November 2019.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(LA Times)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to the fires in November 2019, claims to cover losses have skyrocketed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The number is expected to continue to grow as more than 13,000 homes and businesses with insurance saw a total loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance companies reported that they received more than 46,000 claims covering businesses, homes, vehicles, other personal and business items, and property.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='28-as-a-result-of-the-recent-us-wildfire-statistics-the-pge-utility-company-has-started-using-power-shut-offs-for-fire-prevention'><b>28. As a result of the recent US wildfire statistics, the PG&amp;E utility company has started using power shut-offs for fire prevention.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Scientific American)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is due to PG&amp;E facing bankruptcy following the 2017 and 2018 fires, which resulted in about $30 billion in liabilities. The utility company began shutting the power off for many of the residents in Northern California.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the humidity drops and winds pick up, the risk of fire increases as vegetation and tree branches can damage power lines, sparking a fire. They sharply increased power shut-offs in 2019 to prevent further liabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='faq'><b>FAQ<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3 id='29-what-is-the-largest-wildfire-in-world-history'><b>29. What is the largest wildfire in world history?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s difficult to say precisely what fire is the biggest in history since fires are rated depending on different factors. Factors such as area burned, the number of deaths, cost, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With that said, the Miramichi Fire of 1825 is considered the worst wildfire in history in many lists. It consumed 3 million acres and killed more than 160 people.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='30-what-country-has-the-most-wildfires'><b>30. What country has the most wildfires?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A wildfire can happen in any country, but they\u2019re most common in the US and Canada.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other places where forest fires occur often are Australia, Brazil (the Amazon), and the Western Cape of South Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, wildfires are more likely to impact areas with moist climates that boost foliage growth with very dry periods in the summer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='31-what-is-the-average-size-of-a-wildfire'><b>31. What is the average size of a wildfire?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The average size of wildfires varies from year to year and has been gradually increasing for some time. In the 1980s, the average size of a US wildfire was 30 acres. Today it has gone up to 101 acres.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='32-what-was-the-worst-fire-in-american-history'><b>32. What was the worst fire in American history?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Based on the number of deaths, the largest wildfire in US history was the Thumb Fire in Thumb, Michigan. It burned more than a million acres and killed 282 people in a single day.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='33-how-many-acres-has-the-amazon-burned'><b>33. How many acres has the Amazon burned?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s hard to determine the exact acreage of the burned areas in the Amazon.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Geographic<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> estimates that fires have destroyed more than 17% of the Amazon over the last 50 years. The recent fires are expected to increase this number by more than 25%.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='34-can-rain-put-out-a-wildfire'><b>34. Can rain put out a wildfire?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It depends on the kind of rain and how long it lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If there\u2019s lightning, for example, it may contribute to the fire. At least eight hours of rain are necessary to ease the situation, but it can\u2019t put out a big fire.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over 24 hours of continuous rain with 25\u201340 mm of accumulation is ideal, as long as there isn\u2019t any wind or lightning.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='35-do-you-stop-wildfires-with-fire'><b>35. Do you stop wildfires with fire?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firefighters often use fire to stop a fire, though there&#8217;s always the risk of making things worse.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Controlled burns create a barrier between an oncoming fire. They burn away potential fuel that would allow it to continue in that direction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although very useful, it can be dangerous.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firefighters could lose control due to weather conditions. Controlled burns are more effective as a preventive procedure to remove this fuel earlier, so the fires can&#8217;t grow.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='36-what-started-the-california-fires'><b>36. What started the California fires?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically, people start most fires in California. For example, the El Dorado fire started when a family used a pyrotechnic device to announce their baby\u2019s gender.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The history of wildfires in California also shows that a simple thing as driving a car can start a fire. That was the case with the Apple Fire in Southern California. A car sent soot into dry vegetation, and a fire started.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='37-why-does-california-have-wildfires'><b>37. Why does California have wildfires?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Besides people, California\u2019s wildfires are also triggered by its climate. Warm and dry climates are always more prone to fires. However, global warming is causing higher temperatures. In turn, higher temperatures dry out fuels, so all you need is a spark.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='38-how-many-forest-fires-happen-a-year'><b>38. How many forest fires happen a year?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As of 1983, the NIFC (National Interagency Fire Center) has documented on average 72,000 forest fires. And that\u2019s in the US alone. Unfortunately, the number is growing each year.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='39-how-do-wildfires-occur'><b>39. How do wildfires occur?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fuel, oxygen, and heat are the crucial components for starting any fire. This is something firefighters refer to as the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fire triangle<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes fires occur naturally. All you need is a hot summer\u2019s day, a dry climate, and a spark from a car, lightning, or sun. Powerlines blown by strong winds can also start a fire.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, in most cases, people are the main reason. Campfires, cigarettes, burning debris, arsons, fireworks, or matches can quickly start a fire.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='conclusion'><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are arguments about climate change. People discuss whether it&#8217;s taking place at all and being the culprit for the recent wildfires getting out of control. However, shifts in weather patterns are clearly impacting the number of seasonal wildfires.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forest fire statistics like these are the best way to understand the causes and solutions while learning what the future holds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, we haven\u2019t seen the last of wildfires, and hot and dry summers are expected to bring more in the upcoming years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One thing we know is that preventive actions are the best tactics toward keeping forest fires from getting out of control. Controlled burning and proper education of the public are essential to keeping these fires under control.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We hope these wildfire statistics will help you in your search for the truth among the many contradicting theories discussed over the last couple of months.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='sources'><b>Sources<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/0cdb881db8142cb75e3765bd780667ba\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AP News<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-australia-47410366\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BBC<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-latin-america-49450925\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BBC<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edition.cnn.com\/2019\/08\/28\/americas\/amazonian-wildlife-future-in-fires-intl\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CNN<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/the-security-features-of-the-mont-blanc-tunnel\/a-18591388\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DW<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/climate-indicators\/climate-change-indicators-wildfires\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EPA<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2019\/08\/15\/there-have-been-three-times-more-wildfires-in-the-eu-so-far-this-year\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Euronews<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/info\/sites\/info\/files\/181116_booklet-forest-fire-hd.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">European Commission<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/commission\/presscorner\/detail\/en\/ip_20_1995\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">European Commission<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fas.org\/sgp\/crs\/misc\/IF10244.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAS<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/michaelshellenberger\/2019\/08\/30\/forget-the-hype-forest-fires-have-declined-25-since-2003-thanks-to-economic-growth\/#31e7fde8163d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forbes<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/earther.gizmodo.com\/an-estimated-1-25-billion-animals-have-perished-in-aust-1840875792\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gizmodo<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iii.org\/fact-statistic\/facts-statistics-wildfires\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">iii<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/business\/la-fi-california-wildfires-insurance-20190128-story.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LA Times<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.livescience.com\/40583-australia-wildfires-eucalyptus-trees-bushfires.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Live Science<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.mongabay.com\/2019\/08\/how-many-fires-are-burning-in-the-amazon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mongabay<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalgeographic.com\/animals\/2020\/07\/australia-marsupials-struggling-after-fires\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Geographic<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2020\/01\/07\/more-than-180-australians-accused-of-starting-blazes-during-bushfire-season\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New York Post<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2018-09-wildfire-deaths.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phys.org<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scientificamerican.com\/article\/california-tests-new-strategies-to-prevent-deadly-wildfires\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scientific American<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/smoke-from-wildfires-can-worsen-covid-19-risk-putting-firefighters-in-even-more-danger-145998\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Conversation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/thedataface.com\/2018\/11\/public-health\/wildfires-map\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Data Face<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/article\/wildfires-california-oregon-washington.html#link-42b22137\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The New York Times<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/article\/why-does-california-have-wildfires.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The New York Times<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/2019\/8\/28\/20836891\/amazon-fires-brazil-bolsonaro-rainforest-deforestation-analysis-effects\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Verge<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/towardsdatascience.com\/an-analysis-of-amazonian-forest-fires-8facca63ba69\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Towards Data Science<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NSWRFS\/status\/1213901794578817024\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/fctc\/publications\/WHO-FCTC-Enviroment-Cigarette-smoking.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WHO<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wildfiretoday.com\/tag\/camp-fire\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wildfire Today<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the largest wildfire in world history?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It's difficult to say precisely what fire is the biggest in history since fires are rated depending on different factors. Factors such as area burned, the number of deaths, cost, and more.\\nWith that said, the Miramichi Fire of 1825 tops most of the worst wildfire in history lists. It consumed 3 million acres and killed more than 160 people.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What country has the most wildfires?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A wildfire can happen in any country, but they\u2019re most common in the US and Canada.\\nOther places where forest fires occur often are Australia, Brazil (the Amazon), and the Western Cape of South Africa.\\nGenerally, wildfires are more likely to impact areas with moist climates that boost foliage growth with very dry periods in the summer.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the average size of a wildfire?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The average size of wildfires varies from year to year and has been gradually increasing for some time. In the 1980s, the average size of a US wildfire was 30 acres. Today it has gone up to 101 acres.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What was the worst fire in American history?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Based on the number of deaths, the largest wildfire in US history was the Thumb Fire in Thumb, Michigan. It burned more than a million acres and killed 282 people in a single day.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How many acres has the Amazon burned?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It\u2019s hard to determine the exact acreage of the burned areas in the Amazon.\\nNational Geographic estimates that fires have destroyed more than 17% of the Amazon over the last 50 years. The recent fires are expected to increase this number by more than 25%.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can rain put out a wildfire?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It depends on the kind of rain and how long it lasts.\\nIf there\u2019s lightning, for example, it may contribute to the fire. At least eight hours of rain are necessary to ease the situation, but it can\u2019t put out a big fire.\\nOver 24 hours of continuous rain with 25\u201340 mm of accumulation is ideal, as long as there isn\u2019t any wind or lightning.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do you stop wildfires with fire?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Firefighters often use fire to stop a fire, though there's always the risk of making things worse.\\nControlled burns create a barrier between an oncoming fire. They burn away potential fuel that would allow it to continue in that direction.\\nAlthough very useful, it can be dangerous.\\nFirefighters could lose control due to weather conditions. Controlled burns are more effective as a preventive procedure to remove this fuel earlier, so the fires can't grow.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What started the California fires?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Typically, people start most fires in California. For example, the El Dorado fire started when a family used a pyrotechnic device to announce their baby\u2019s gender.\\nThe history of wildfires in California also shows that a simple thing as driving a car can start a fire. That was the case with the Apple Fire in Southern California. A car sent a soot into dry vegetation and a fire started.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why does California have wildfires?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Besides people, California\u2019s wildfires are also triggered by its climate. Warm and dry climates are always more prone to fires. However, global warming is causing higher temperatures. In turn, higher temperatures dry out fuels, so all you need is a spark.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How many forest fires happen a year?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"As of 1983, the NIFC (National Interagency Fire Center) has been documenting on average 72,000 forest fires. And that\u2019s in the US alone. Unfortunately, the number is growing each year.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do wildfires occur?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Fuel, oxygen, and heat are the crucial components for starting any fire. This is something firefighters refer to as the fire triangle.\\nSometimes fires occur naturally. All you need is a hot summer\u2019s day, dry climate, and a spark from a car, lightning, or sun. Powerlines blown by strong winds can also start a fire.\\nHowever, in most cases, people are the main reason. Camp fires, cigarettes, burning debris, arsons, fireworks, or matches can easily start a fire.\"}}]}<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Get the most recent and accurate wildfire statistics to stay informed about the causes, realistic numbers, and what communities are doing about them in 2022. [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wildfire-statistics\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from 39 Relevant Wildfire Statistics to Read up (2024 UPDATE)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":1436,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1077","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-stats-and-facts"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1077","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1077"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1077\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1436"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1077"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1077"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1077"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}