It’s heating up in Alaska—and we’re not just referring to the approaching summer. Over the past 20 years, Alaskans have seen a dramatic increase in wildfire activity across the state. From bigger fire seasons and more smoky days, to increased lightning and wildfires burning in unusual regions of the state, it is clear that Alaska’s wildfire environment is changing.
Understanding these changes is crucial to keeping Alaska communities safe. Research conducted at the University of Alaska in collaboration with the state’s fire managers is exploring how climate affects wildfires and improving data and resources to keep fires—and the costs of fighting them—from getting out of control.
Recently, the University of Alaska Fairbanks International Arctic Research Center and the Alaska Fire Science Consortium released a new report that highlights the impact of climate change on wildfire and emphasizes why scientists and wildfire managers need to continue working together to improve wildfire resources tailored to Alaska.