More Large Forest Fires Linked to Climate Change
by Mari N. Jensen, UA Communications
Large forest fires have occurred more frequently in the western United States since the mid-1980s as spring temperatures increased, mountain snows melted earlier and summers got hotter, according to new research.
Almost seven times more forested federal land burned during the 1987-2003 period than during the prior 17 years. In addition, large fires occurred about four times more often during the latter period.
The research is the most systematic analysis to date of recent changes in forest fire activity in the western United States. read more Published by:
