Wildfire Facts

Explore our detailed wildfire facts content with topics ranging from how fast wildfires spread to the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history.

Smoke Travel World and Atmosphere

Fire Ecology

How Far Can Wildfire Smoke Travel?

Nov 7, 2023

You might be surprised to learn how far wildfire smoke can travel. Discover how these smoke plumes can travel surprising distances, impacting air quality far and wide.

Wildfire Articles

The Future of Wildfires: What Lies Ahead

Oct 17, 2023

Wildfires are becoming increasingly common. Delve into future trends, challenges, and innovative solutions for fire management with guidance from the WFCA.

Wildfire Articles

How to Become a Volunteer Firefighter

Sep 12, 2023

Discover how you can make a difference and become a volunteer firefighter. Learn about the process, training, and ways to join the frontlines with guidance from the WFCA.

Wildfire Articles

­­Deadliest Wildfires in U.S. History­­­­­

Aug 22, 2023

Review the top 10 deadliest wildfires in U.S. history, in the wake of the Lahaina Fire in Maui, Hawaii, with this list from the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA).

Tree line of a hill burning in the night with the sky covered by green and brown graphics.

Wildfire Articles

What Happens During a Wildfire?

Aug 15, 2023

Wildfires can be deadly and disruptive. Learn more about what happens during a wildfire, including how it can affect everything from wildlife to infrastructure.

Circle Image - Branded. A half-arc dial shows the National Fire Danger Rating System. Green=low danger, blue=moderate, yellow=high, orange=very high, red=extreme.

Wildfire Articles

National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) Explained

Jul 4, 2023

Understanding the National Fire Danger Rating System is crucial for preventing wildfires. Learn how it works and how to stay safe with guidance from the WFCA.

Wildfire Articles

Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality: What You Should Know

Mar 13, 2023

Learn about wildfire smoke and air quality and get tips on how to protect yourself and your family from the impacts of smoke from wildfires with guidance from the WFCA.

cicle, branded WFCA. A firefighter in full protective gear holds out a hand to a young child seated on the floor of a classroom. Other children sit nearby.

Wildfire Articles

10 Wildfire Facts for Kids

Jan 25, 2023

Did you know fires move faster when traveling uphill? Explore these interesting wildfire facts for kids from the experts at the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA).

A summary map of wildfire risk in the western half on US, based on FEMA's National Risk Index.

Wildfire Articles

Wildfire Risk Index Explained

Jan 18, 2023

FEMA has developed a wildfire risk index to help assess wildfire risk by area of the country. Learn about this index with expert guidance from the WFCA.

Circle image, banded WFCA, An orange cloud of smoke rising above a dark forest. smoke cloud high in the sky

Wildfire Articles

10 Largest Wildfires in U.S. History

Dec 13, 2022

Explore the details of the top 10 largest wildfires in U.S. history, from the Dixie Fire in California to the Yarnell Fire in Arizona with this list from the WFCA.

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