Understanding the Surge in Wildfires
According to Firas Saleh, Director of Wildfire Models for North America at Moody’s, the United States has already seen 7,112 wildfires in 2025—around a 37% increase over the 10-year average for the same period. This rise in wildfire activity is not a one-off event but part of a larger, more concerning trend, highlighting the increasing frequency and unpredictability of wildfires across the country.
Extended Fire Seasons and Changing Patterns
Historically, the wildfire season lasted four months, but due to factors such as climate change and shifting weather patterns, the fire season has lengthened to six to eight months in some regions. Rising temperatures cause snow to melt earlier in the year, and delayed fall precipitation creates extended drought periods, which, in turn, elevate the risk of wildfires.
As a result, wildfires are no longer confined to traditional fire-prone areas; they are increasingly affecting states like the Carolinas, New Jersey, New York, California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Tennessee.
Broader Wildfire Risk Management
The growing prevalence of wildfires in areas once considered less vulnerable emphasizes the urgent need for risk preparedness beyond historically affected regions. As Saleh points out, the increased wildfire activity in the Carolinas underscores this shift, highlighting the need for a broader, more comprehensive approach to wildfire risk management.
Case Study: Los Angeles Wildfires
One example of this trend was the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. These fires vividly demonstrated the danger posed by urban conflagrations, where fires spread rapidly due to high winds, dry vegetation, and proximity to urban areas. Saleh stresses that mitigating this risk requires a combination of improved infrastructure, better building materials, and proactive measures to address the underlying drivers of wildfire activity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the growing frequency and intensity of wildfires, as illustrated by the uptick in fires in the Carolinas and the urban dangers seen in Los Angeles County, serves as a reminder of the increasing need for comprehensive wildfire risk management. As Firas Saleh highlights, this is not just about responding to fires as they happen; it’s about preparing for a future in which wildfires are a more common and devastating threat.
