Climate Change, Wildland Fires and Water in the 21st Century

Abstract:

Wildland fires are a frequent occurrence in many regions of the world. These fires are the result of interactions between climate/weather, fuels, and people. Our climate and associated day-to-day weather may be changing rapidly due to human activities that may have dramatic and unexpected impacts on regional and global fire activity. Existing studies suggest a general overall increase in area burned and fire occurrence although there is substantial temporal and spatial variability. Even though there are indications that fire severity and intensity are increasing, future trends are more complex due to the non-linear interactions between weather, vegetation and people. Research also showed that coupled with climate change, increasing fire severity is critical to water resources through impacts on runoff and erosion. Climate change, wildland fires, and water are therefore inseparable in future resource management.

A warmer world means a longer fire season, more lightning activity, and most importantly drier fuels makes it easier for fires to start and spread. Recent research suggests that changes in the jet stream may result in more extreme weather that will lead to more fire activity. Land, fire, and water management will be even more challenging in a warmer world.