{
  "id": 18004312,
  "title": "US wildfire damage is on pace to triple by mid‑century, but there are affordable ways to lower the risk",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/us-wildfire-damage-is-on-pace-to-triple-by-mid-century-but-there-are-18004312",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T18:40:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-11-wildfire-pace-triple-midcentury-ways.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent study predicts that the number of homes and structures lost to wildfires in the United States could nearly triple by mid-century, from 2026 to 2060. The main factors contributing to this alarming trend are rising temperatures, expanding development, and reduced fire suppression efforts. As a result, conditions that once fueled small wildfires are now creating fast-growing infernos that overwhelm emergency response.\n\nThe 2026 wildfire season, which began with historically low snowpack and exceptionally warm weather, serves as a stark reminder of the escalating risk. In Colorado alone, the Aspen Acres Fire destroyed hundreds of structures in June, and the Knowles Fire claimed the lives of four firefighters in July. In Washington state, wind-driven fires scorched over 800 homes in August, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.\n\nResearchers estimate that human-induced climate change has nearly doubled the area burned in western U.S. forests since 1984. In addition, rising populations in and around wildland areas have increased the likelihood of homes becoming engulfed in flames. Lightning, power lines, vehicles, machinery, debris burning, and campfires all contribute to the growing problem of year-round fire risks.\n\nNew research suggests that without intervention, the annual number of structures damaged or destroyed nationwide could nearly triple by midcentury, with up to 449,000 structures lost between 2026 and 2060. This risk disproportionately affects low-income communities, which may struggle to afford fire-resistant measures, maintain insurance coverage, and recover financially after a fire.\n\nTo mitigate these risks, homeowners can take several steps. Installing Class A fire-resistant roofs and ember-resistant vents can significantly reduce the likelihood of a home igniting. Removing flammable debris, mulch, firewood, and vegetation from around buildings also decreases the potential for fire spread. Community programs often provide resources to help low-income homeowners reduce their homes' fire risk.\n\nInvesting in wildfire-resilient construction can be more affordable than people might expect. For instance, meeting Colorado's fire code can increase minimum construction costs by only 0.6% to 4.2%. Access to lower-cost materials and homeowner education can further make wildfire resilience more accessible. While individual actions won't eliminate the threat entirely, they can play a crucial role in reducing the risk and protecting homes from the devastating effects of wildfires.",
  "summary": "A recent study finds that the number of homes and other structures damaged or destroyed by wildfires in the United States is on pace to triple by mid-century due to rising temperatures and expanding development, according to Phys.org and The Conversation. The Conversation notes that strategies to reduce the risk of losing a home to wildfires do not need to be overly expensive.\n\nThe 2026 wildfire season in the West was characterized by exceptional warmth, early snowmelt, and historically low mountain snowpack. The Conversation reports that Colorado’s Aspen Acres Fire destroyed hundreds of structures in June, and four firefighters died following injuries sustained during the Knowles Fire near the Colorado–Utah border in July. Additionally, wind-driven fires in Spokane, Washington, damaged more than 800 homes and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate in August.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Conversation",
        "title": "US wildfire damage is on pace to triple by mid-century, but there are affordable ways to lower the risk",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/us-wildfire-damage-is-on-pace-to-triple-by-mid-century-but-there-are",
        "published": "2026-11-03T11:38:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}