Wildfires will become more frequent due to rising temperatures, but study finds changes will be far from uniform

Scientists have long believed that wildfires would become more frequent as global temperatures rise, but comparatively few studies have forecast fire behavior by region. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have found that while wildfires in the U.S. will become more frequent overall in the future, changes will not be straightforward and uniform, as it is likely some regions will see decreases in wildfires. Using climate projections of future temperature and precipitation, researchers were able to predict the frequency of fires for a variety of locations. The specificity of the data allows it to be mapped across the U.S., which will provide a valuable resource for policymakers and residents alike.