Where Wildfire Risk Burns Brightest: US & Canada Hotspots

Wildfires are a growing threat across North America, and understanding where the risk is highest is crucial for homeowners and communities. It's not just about dry, remote forests anymore; urban sprawl and climate change are bringing wildfire danger closer to home. Let's delve into the areas facing the greatest risk.

United States: A Mosaic of Wildfire Danger

The western United States remains the epicenter of wildfire activity, but the threat is expanding. Here's a breakdown of the highest-risk regions:

• California:
  • Known for its dry summers and abundant vegetation, California consistently experiences some of the most devastating wildfires.
  • The wildland-urban interface (WUI), where homes meet wildlands, is particularly vulnerable. Areas in Southern California (like the foothills of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains) and Northern California (like the Sierra Nevada foothills and areas surrounding the Bay Area) are at extremely high risk.
• Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, Idaho):
  • Increasingly hot and dry summers have led to a surge in wildfire activity in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Areas with dense forests, such as the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains and parts of central and eastern Oregon and Washington, are especially susceptible.
• Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado):
  • Prolonged drought and high temperatures have created tinderbox conditions across the Southwest.
  • Areas with pinyon-juniper woodlands and ponderosa pine forests, as well as those bordering grasslands, face significant wildfire risk.
• The Great Plains:
  • While not traditionally known for forest fires, grass fires are a very large risk. These fires can spread extremely rapidly, and threaten large areas.
  • Areas of Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and other plains states are very vulnerable.

Canada: Northern Exposure to Wildfire

Canada's vast forests and increasingly warm, dry summers have made it increasingly vulnerable to wildfires. Key risk areas include:

• British Columbia:
  • Similar to its US neighbor, British Columbia experiences frequent and intense wildfires.
  • The interior regions of the province, particularly areas with dry forests and grasslands, are at high risk.
• Alberta:
  • Alberta's boreal forests and grasslands are prone to wildfires, especially during hot, dry periods.
  • The northern and central regions of the province are particularly vulnerable.
• Saskatchewan and Manitoba:
  • These provinces also experience significant wildfire activity, especially in their northern forested regions.
  • Drought conditions increase the risk in the southern portions of these provinces.
• Northwest Territories and Yukon:
  • Climate change is having a disproportional affect on the northern regions of Canada.
  • These areas are seeing increased wildfire activity due to warming temperatures and drier conditions.

Factors Contributing to Increased Risk:

• Climate Change: Warmer temperatures, prolonged droughts, and more frequent heatwaves create ideal conditions for wildfires.
• Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI): As populations grow and expand into wildland areas, more homes are at risk.
• Forest Management: Historical fire suppression practices have led to an accumulation of fuel in some areas, increasing the intensity of wildfires.
• Human Activity: Careless behavior, such as unattended campfires and improper disposal of cigarettes, can ignite wildfires.

Protecting Your Home:

If you live in a high-risk area, it's essential to take steps to protect your home. This includes creating defensible space, using fire-resistant building materials, keeping a FireFoil Wildfire Ember Shield™ or Wildfire Fire Shield™ on hand, and having an evacuation plan.

Wildfire risk is a complex and evolving issue. By understanding the factors that contribute to wildfire danger and taking proactive steps to protect your home, you can help mitigate the risk.