US wildfire damage is on pace to triple by mid-century, but there are affordable ways to lower the risk
Dry land and little snow helped fuel a destructive 2026 fire season. New research shows active fire seasons are becoming the norm, and communities need to prepare.
Wildfire damage in the United States is projected to triple by mid-century, according to a recent study. As temperatures rise and development expands, the number of homes and structures destroyed by wildfires is expected to surge. The 2026 wildfire season, which saw homes burned in Spokane, Washington, serves as a stark reminder of this risk.
However, strategies to mitigate wildfire damage do not have to be costly. The 2026 season began with low mountain snowpack, early snowmelt, and high temperatures, leading to fires breaking out early in the season. Colorado's Aspen Acres Fire destroyed hundreds of structures in June, and the Knowles Fire claimed four firefighters' lives near the Colorado-Utah border in July.
Wind-driven fires swept into Spokane, Washington, in August, damaging over 800 homes and forcing evacuations. Colorado fires burned more than 318,000 acres by late October, nearly double the annual average since 2000. Nationally, the area burned exceeded average levels. Human activities, such as climate change, population growth near wildlands, and more fire-prone ecosystems, have contributed to the increased risk.
By implementing simple measures, such as fire-resistant roofing, venting, and removing debris from around buildings, homeowners can reduce their risk of wildfire damage. Community programs often assist low-income residents in implementing these strategies. While losses will depend on individual actions, these affordable strategies can play a role in lowering wildfire damage risk.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
