Human Activity Linked to Majority of U.S. Wildfires

Why it matters locally: Tennessee has experienced significant wildfires in recent years, particularly in its forested eastern regions, and these human-caused incidents are a concern for land management and public safety across the state.

Human behavior accounts for more than three-quarters of all wildfires in the United States. These human-caused fires result from various factors, including accidents, negligence, and arson. The Spokane Complex Fires, for example, have burned over 10,000 acres and destroyed more than 900 structures in Washington State. Margaret Albaugh provided an image of these fires for NPR.