Climate Change and Wildland Fire

The impacts of climate change upon disturbance are demonstrated in numerous ways through wildland fire. The length of fire seasons have been extended, with snow packs melting earlier in the spring and wild fires continuing well into autumn under warmer and drier environments. Forest health issues from insect and disease infestations to increased fuel loadings are being exasperated by climate change. Invasive species have further increased and expanded across large parts of the west. These conditions impact the severity and number of acres burned on a landscape and regional level. Several recent wildfires and prescribed fires from Utah, along with associated weather data, will be reviewed to demonstrate the impacts of climate change on the wildland fire environment. Understanding the changing environment and management response to wildland re disturbance is important in implementing management actions by land management agencies in restoring and maintaining resilient landscapes