Recent research suggests that wildfires are no longer subsiding overnight, with their dynamics fueling some of the most extreme and damaging fires.
A study published in the scientific journal Nature indicates that drought is the primary factor causing wildfires to burn during the night. Scientists have observed an increase in the frequency and intensity of overnight fires, a trend they expect to worsen as global temperatures rise due to climate change.
Mike Flanigan, the study author and a professor of wildland fire at Thompson Rivers University in the UK, noted that historically, firefighters used to find relief at night knowing fires typically calmed down. However, this is no longer the case. Fires are now burning hot and intense enough to persist through the night, making firefighting operations riskier and evacuations more complex. Understanding the conditions that lead to nighttime fires can help emergency managers make better decisions in addressing these hazards.
According to Jennifer Balch, an associate professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, the study highlights how climate change is contributing to the increase in wildfires and extreme fire behavior. Researchers have used satellite imagery data to examine over 23,500 fires from 2017 to 2020, identifying a trend where fires can last through the night, particularly in the early stages of large fires. Such fires pose significant risks, especially when they occur at night when people are less prepared.
Balch emphasized that recent wildfires have demonstrated the dangers of nighttime fires, such as the Tubbs Fire in California in 2017 and the McDougal Creek Fire in British Columbia in the Kelowna area. The study also underscores the importance of monitoring drought conditions in predicting overnight fire behavior and assisting emergency responders in proactive decision-making.
The study further emphasizes that human-induced global warming, coupled with expanding communities in fire-prone areas, is putting a strain on firefighting resources and increasing the complexity of managing wildfires. Balch’s research highlights the need to shift towards building fire resilience and acknowledging the challenges faced by firefighters who are continuously battling the escalating threat of wildfires.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
