‘Fast fires’ were just 2.7% of U.S. wildfires but destroyed 78% of the structures lost — and up to 449,000 could be lost by 2060
We found that roughly one-third of western neighborhoods facing the greatest future risk are low-income communities.
In the 2026 wildfire season, an unusual pattern emerged - "fast fires" accounted for only 2.7% of wildfires but were responsible for 78% of destroyed structures and 61% of firefighting costs. This phenomenon was observed throughout the western U.S., including Colorado, Washington, and other Rocky Mountain regions. Despite early monsoon rains and cooler-than-average temperatures in some areas, fires continued to spread rapidly due to high winds and flammable vegetation.
The trend of "fast fires" has been on the rise, with nearly four times more acres burned in the western U.S. since 2000 compared to the pre-20th century baseline. This increase can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a century of fire suppression, a warming climate that accelerates soil and vegetation moisture loss, and the growing presence of people in fire-prone areas.
The research conducted by the author and colleagues found that if no actions are taken to mitigate these risks, the number of structures lost to wildfires could nearly triple by mid-century, reaching up to 449,000 properties between 2026 and 2060. This alarming projection highlights the need for community programs to help low-income homeowners reduce their home's fire risk, as well as the adoption of fire-resistant building materials and design strategies.
Prescribed burns and forest thinning can also help reduce fuel loads and alter fire behavior, minimizing the potential for rapid fire spread.
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