HOW TO PREVENT WILDFIRES
LET'S ALL DO OUR PART
By Azielle Juvia Jacobs
Wildfires in the U.S. have become increasingly more frequent over the decades. In 2024 alone, there were 64,897 fires spanning across 8,924,884 acres. While some wildfires are natural phenomena serving important ecological purposes—clearing out diseased and dead vegetation and even helping plants reproduce—nearly 85% of wildfires are caused by humans. These wildfires not only devastate ecosystems but also accelerate the climate change crisis.
The majority of wildfires occur in the western and southern U.S., with California being the epicenter of it all. With the effects of climate change, wildfires in these areas will only intensify in the upcoming years. Climate change has contributed to more frequent and severe weather changes, including droughts, which exacerbate wildfire conditions. Rising temperatures and dry environments as a result create the ideal conditions for a wildfire to burn out of control.
As mentioned before, human activities play a significant role in igniting wildfires, often with devastating consequences. Here are some common ways these fires start:
Campfires: Campfires, specifically those left unattended, can quickly spread if winds pick up any embers or sparks. These campfires are typically left close to flammable plants and trees, allowing embers to ignite these surroundings. The Ham Lake Fire of 2007 is just one example of how a single campfire can lead to a devastating wildfire, igniting 75,000 acres across the Superior National Forest in Minnesota. When going camping, remember to properly extinguish your campfires and follow proper fire safety.
Discarded cigarettes: Even small heat sources can lead to huge wildfires. Due to the hot ember of a cigarette, contact with dry vegetation may lead to a fire. For instance, the Viejas wildfire in San Diego, California, which consumed over 11,000 acres, was started by a mere cigarette thrown out of a car. Instead of discarding cigarette butts anywhere, make sure to be mindful of their correct disposal.
Burning debris: One of the most common causes of wildfires is the escaped embers from burning debris. Most states have outlawed burning dead vegetation and debris; however, in some states, including California, it is allowed during certain times of the year. When burning debris, pay attention to weather conditions.
Fireworks: A stray spark from a firework or even a sparkler can lead to a wildfire. Just in California alone, over 3600 acres burned due to fires caused by fireworks. The 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles is a recent example and is suspected to have started from the firework celebrations on New Year's Eve.
Wildfires pose detrimental effects to both human life and the environment, including health risks from smoke inhalation and long-term ecological damage. As wildfires burn the carbon stored in trees and the soil, large amounts of smoke, methane, and carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere. As a result, this increases overall temperatures. The smoke then decreases the air quality, damaging the respiratory health of people in the surrounding area.
Additionally, wildfires decrease water quality, destroy natural habitats, and leave behind stripped land. The intense heat reduces the soil’s ability to absorb water, leading to increased erosion and flooding in the affected area. As ash and debris wash into bodies of water, water quality decreases, leading to contaminated drinking water and harmed aquatic ecosystems.
It starts with us to create a change. Even with small changes, such as making sure a campfire is out or throwing away a cigarette in the trash can, can create a huge impact.
