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Wildfire Conditions Tripled in 45 Years, Linked to Climate Change

2/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A new study finds global days with ideal extreme wildfire conditions nearly tripled over the past 45 years.
Researchers say over 60% of the rise is linked to human-caused climate change, with the Americas seeing an increase.
Synchronous fire weather rose from 22 days in 1979 to over 60 days recently.
In the United States, averages rose from 7.7 to 38 days, while Southeast Asia declined due to humidity.

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Story summary

A new study finds global days with ideal extreme wildfire conditions nearly tripled over the past 45 years.
Researchers say over 60% of the rise is linked to human-caused climate change, with the Americas seeing an increase.
Synchronous fire weather rose from 22 days in 1979 to over 60 days recently.
In the United States, averages rose from 7.7 to 38 days, while Southeast Asia declined due to humidity.