A Natural Force, Amplified
Tap through the graph below to view year-by-year data for the U.S.
U.S. Wildfires — 2000 to 2025
January – December · Source: NOAA
Rising Temperatures with Burning Consequences
Our global temperature has been on an increasingly dramatic rise since 1975. With a record setting year in 2024, it seems that trend is only going to continue. The steady increases in temperature contribute a huge amount toward how much more severe wildfires are becoming. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a 1 degree C increase annually can cause an up to 600% increase in the median burned area per year in western forests. While our temperature isn’t rising a full degree yearly yet, any increase is more land burnt, more houses lost, more environments destroyed.
Global surface temperature — 1990 to 2025
Annual anomaly relative to 1951–1980 baseline · Source: NASA GISS / GISTEMP v4
Smoke Knows No Borders
The flames of a wildfire aren’t the only threat to worry about. Perhaps equally as damaging is the smoke the fires produce. Smoke from these fires travels much further than the flames themselves, affecting millions of people in surrounding areas. This smoke carries multiple toxic substances, perhaps most notably being PM2.5, a particulate matter. These particles are microscopic and have the ability to enter our lungs and bloodstream, causing considerable long term damage. According to a report conducted by Stanford University, wildfire smoke is 10 times as toxic to breathe compared to normal air pollution via fossil fuels. Researchers have also stated that there is no safe level of exposure to wildfire smoke and that the more exposure, the worse it is for our health long term.
U.S. Wildfire Data
Wildfire Smoke Days by County
Annual average number of predicted wildfire-related smoke days, 2006–2020.
A National Problem
Wildfire smoke is able to travel much further than many would expect. Today, every county can expect to see at least 16 wildfire smoke days a year, with some recording over 100. This map reveals many patterns: California and its surrounding states are a common wildfire spot. But perhaps more eye opening is the northern states data. While not typically a wildfire location, smoke from Canadian wildfires commonly travels south and through all these areas.
The Human Cost
Wildfire smoke is not just a minor inconvenience. It is a serious issue with major consequences without proper precautions. Behind every data point here is a person’s life. PM2.5 has been proven to be responsible for increases in cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. These diseases can and often do lead to death, as revealed in the map to the right. From 2006-2020, wildfire smoke has claimed the life of 164,000 human beings.
U.S. Wildfire Data
Wildfire Smoke Deaths
Total Wildfire PM2.5 mortality 2006-2020.
When the Air Isn’t Safe
So how can we protect ourselves during wildfire smoke days? Unfortunately, simply staying inside in a well filtered room is the best option. A proper fitting N95 mask can help reduce exposure, but is not a guaranteed solution. Perhaps more important is protecting people who are more sensitive to the smoke. Children, elderly, those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, and pregnant individuals are all at a higher risk. Ensuring their safety during heavy smoke days is something we all must work towards.
A State Set Ablaze
2025 saw America’s costliest wildfires ever. Two major wildfires, in the Palisades and in Eaton, blazed for 21 days in January, leaving nothing in its path of destruction. The fire caused billions in damage and forced over 200,000 people out of their homes. It also exposed millions more to toxic smoke fumes, such as PM2.5. Fires like this have become almost expected in California, with 18 of California’s top 20 worst wildfires occurring since 2000. And it’s only getting worse–10 of those fires burnt in 2020 and 2021 alone.
31
Total Deaths
$61.2
Billion in Damages
16k
Homes Destroyed
So What’s Next?
Wildfires will only continue to worsen if action is not taken against them. Every one of us can help more than we may realize. In 2025 alone, 69,556 wildfires were human-caused. Unattended campfires, improper precautions while burning debris, using equipment carelessly, or even something as small as a cigarette butt tossed on the ground can spark a fire. A single spark can have monumental consequences. As a society, we must continue to put pressure on government officials to do something about climate change. Wildfires will never be fully suppressed – but they can be contained.