Wildfires have become one of the top natural disaster headlines over the recent years. Extended periods of drought and extreme heat are a few factors contributing to rapid wildfire development and spread. NOAA scientists have been studying the increase in natural vs. human caused fires. Short-term human caused fires range from fireworks to igniting a fire when conditions are favorable for it to spread (low humidity, strong winds). However, long-term human caused climate change could lead to fires that are a lot more frequent in the future. Data from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) shows that 2022 had more fires and acres burned than the normal ten-year average. The intense heat of a wildfire can cause a thunderstorm that carries smoke high into the air – these are called pyrocumulonimbus or pyroCbs. Pyro is the Greek prefix for fire. As the hot air rapidly rises, it expands and cools.