How Wildfires Impact the Environment: A Double-Edged Sword

By Andrew Whited

Wildfires seem to be all the rage right now, no pun intended. There have been several wildfires in as many as 17 states so far this year, down from 22 last year, and further down from 2023, when every state, with the exception of Delaware, was affected by wildfires. There have been 9,520 this year, more than twice as many fires as this time last year and almost twice as many as 2023, but still down from 12,088 at this time in 2022, which remains the highest count of fires in the last decade. 2022, as a whole, saw the greatest number of fires over the last 10 years, with 66,255 known fires too. But the most devastation in the last 10 years was 2020 with 10, 274, 679 acres burned throughout the country. While the number of acres destroyed by wildfires took a significant dip down to roughly 2.6 million acres, that number surged to nearly 9 million acres last year. The amount of injuries suffered in wildfires has gone down from nearly 17,000 to around 13,000 over the last five years while deaths have loomed between 3,500 and 3,800. Economically, wildfires have cost the country hundreds of billions of dollars in damage and costs in fire suppression, among other things. About 85% of wildfires are caused by humans. Most are unintentionally caused by unattended campfires, cigarettes left smoldering when discarded, debris burning, and sparks from electrical equipment, while others are purpose-driven by arson or unauthorized burning.

Wildfires are a natural disaster that have both immediate and long-term effects on ecosystems, 

wildlife, and human communities. While the destructive power of wildfires is widely acknowledged, wildfires also have positive effects on the environment. In fact, they play an important role in maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem. The following explores both the drawbacks and benefits of wildlife in the environment.

The Negative Impacts

One of the problems with wildfires is extensive loss of biodiversity, particularly when they destroy habitats that are home to various plant and animal species. The immediate destruction of vegetation and the disruption of ecosystems often leads to the displacement or death of wildlife. For example, many species that are not adapted to fire may struggle to survive, while others may face a loss of food sources. The loss of biodiversity can have long-term effects on ecosystem stability and resilience.

Another unfortunate issue is the degradation and erosion of soil. After a wildfire, the loss of 

vegetation that holds soil in place causes the soil to be exposed to wind and water erosion, especially during rainfall. Without the protection of plant roots to hold the soil in place, soil becomes more prone to being washed away. This can lead to landslides especially in areas containing hills and mountains and long-term degradation, leaving some areas barren and unproductive. Soil erosion can also have an impact on water quality by carrying ash, sediment, and other pollutants into rivers, lakes, and streams, consequently affecting aquatic life. 

Wildfires cause air pollution and produce greenhouse gas emissions. Significant amounts of carbon  dioxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, lead, methane and other pollutants are released into the atmosphere by wildfires, increasing greenhouse gas concentrations, thus contributing to air pollution and climate change. Air quality is also affected by smoke from wildfires, impacting the health of people and animals. Smoke from wildfires can travel thousands of miles beyond even the immediate fire zone, leading to possible respiratory issues, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, or anyone with pre-existing conditions, due to smoke inhalation.

Finally, one of the most devastating impacts of wildfires is the damage to property and threat to, 

and loss of human lives. Beyond ecological consequences, wildfires lead to the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land. The trauma of lives lost and the displacement of communities are felt long after a fire has been contained. The economic cost of rebuilding can be monumental, and the social and emotional toll on affected populations is significant. 

The Positive Impacts

We’ve explored a number of ways wildfires can be detrimental to our lives and our environment. 

But let’s observe and acknowledge the benefits of wildfires and how they better the environment.

While wildfires can lead to loss of species and plants as previously mentioned, they can also help

with maintaining biodiversity in many ways. Wildfires not only clear areas where invasive species have spread while going unchecked, but also prevent any one single plant and/or tree species from dominating over others in these areas. Additionally, the variety of habitats created by wildfires can support different types of animals and insects, therefore enhancing biodiversity within the region.

Speaking of animals and habitats, it is worth noting that another positive aspect of wildfires is the ability to create habitats. While many animals may have been displaced or killed by wildfires, some wildlife species rely on post-fire environments for shelter and food. For example, woodpeckers and other birds are attracted to burned areas because there is an abundance of insects, which thrive in charred remains of trees themselves. These charred remains serve as nesting sites and food sources such as beetles or larvae. Wildfires also benefit some amphibians and mammals as new vegetation tends to grow after a fire, providing fresh food sources and shelter. The renewal of habitats after wildfires can create opportunities for different species to flourish.

Wildfires play a critical role in nutrient cycling by burning plant matter and releasing essential

minerals and nutrients such as potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus back into the soil, enhancing its fertility. These nutrients are returned to the ground after being stored in plant material over time, enriching the soil, allowing for new vegetation to grow. This can result in a quick regeneration in a forest following a fire, creating a renewed cycle for the ecosystem.

One more benefit of wildfires to the environment is they can regulate overgrowth. In the 

absence of fire, vegetation can become overly dense, leading to a buildup of dry and dead plant matter. This fuel load makes future fires more intense and dangerous. However, regular fires help to clear this spread of matter, therefore reducing the risk of more catastrophic and uncontrollable fires. In other words, fires can act as a natural source of wildfire management. 

Finding a Balance in the Role of Fire Management

In many ecosystems, wildfires are a natural part of the landscape and contribute to ecological 

health. But, the increasing frequency, intensity, and severity of wildfires, fueled by climate change, urbanization, and land-use changes, have made them more problematic to manage. The destruction of human settlements and impact on air quality and biodiversity have become major concerns. 

The goal of fire management strategies, like controlled or prescribed burns, is to mimic the 

natural process of wildfire in a controlled and safe manner. By carefully managing when and how fires occur, we can help reduce the growth of combustible materials, prevent large-scale destructive wildfires, and encourage the beneficial ecological impacts of fire. 

Wildfires are a powerful force in nature, capable of both devastating and rejuvenating the 

environment. While the destruction of habitats, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and air pollution are serious negative consequences of wildfires, there are also positive aspects, such as ecosystem renewal, nutrient recycling, pest control, and the creation of new habitats. The key lies in understanding the role of wildfires in maintaining healthy ecosystems while alleviating their destructive potential, particularly in the face of an ever-changing climate. These fire management strategies are crucial for minimizing the adverse effects of wildfires while preserving ecological benefits.

Citations

Defense, F. W. (2024, July 2). What causes wildfires? understanding key risk factors.  Frontline.https://www.frontlinewildfire.com/wildfire-news-and-resources/what-causes-wildfires/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20National%20Park,Heat.

Morrison, R. (2022, August 18). The environmental impact of wildfires. Earth.Org. Statistics. U.S. Fire Administration. (n.d.).  https://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/

Statistics. U.S. Fire Administration. (n.d.). https://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/

USAFacts. (2025, January 8). How much land do wildfires burn in the US? https://usafacts.org/articles/how-much-damage-do-wildfires-do-in-the-us/

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Wildfires. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/wildfires#tab=tab_1