Wildfires

A wildfire is described as an uncontrollable fire in a forested area. Wildfires can start at any time of the year and the time of year influences the effects of fire. These fires can start naturally due to lightning strikes, volcanic eruptions, and sparks created by a rock fall. However, these fire can also be caused by human activities- which means that they are more commonly called ‘quasi-natural hazards.'

Source: NOAA

The wildfire season in the western U.S. is June through October, while March through May is the fire season in the southeastern U.S. Most fires occur in the New England states in late fall. During some seasons, more moisture is present than in other seasons, thus reducing fire threat, this varies by geographic region.