Human Activity Linked to Majority of U.S. Wildfires

Why it matters locally: While the Spokane Complex Fires are in Washington State, Louisiana experiences its own challenges with human-caused wildfires, particularly in its extensive wildland-urban interface and forested areas, posing risks to communities and natural resources.

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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.