Policy Options
Climate Adaptation Policy Options
November 5, 2024
Fact Sheet
Climate Adaptation: Wildfires Fact Sheet
Overview
Rising temperatures from climate change are leading to longer and more intense fire seasons. Warmer and drier conditions are making the environment more susceptible to burning by causing an increase in the evaporation of moisture from soil and vegetation, drying out trees, shrubs, and grasses, and turning leaf litter and fallen branches into kindling. Wildfires can be caused by human activity such as campfires, discarded cigarettes, and electrical equipment, or by natural events like lightning strikes. As wildfires continue to become more frequent and severe, it is important for states to implement different climate adaptation and resilience strategies to protect humans and the environment.
Key Points
Key Point 1
Wildfires cost the U.S. between $394 to $893 billion each year in economic costs and damages.
Key Point 2
The annual cost and number of deaths from wildfires in the United States have increased over the past four decades.
Key Point 3
Fire season is 105 days longer than it was in the 1970s, and is approaching the point where the notion of a fire season will be made obsolete by the reality of year-round wildfires.
Policy Options
(‘**’ indicates bipartisan support)
California A.B. 9 (enacted 2021): Established the Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program within the Department of Conservation to support regional leadership in creating fire-adapted communities and improving ecosystem health.
Colorado H.B. 1273 (enacted 2023): Created the Wildfire Resilient Homes Grant Program Cash Fund to assist homeowners for retrofitting homes with wildfire mitigation measures
Oregon S.B. 80 (enacted 2023): Mandated the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive statewide wildfire hazard map to educate residents about wildfire risks, prioritize mitigation resources, and identify areas where home retrofits are needed
**Washington H.B. 1578 (enacted 2023): Directed the Department of Natural Resources to develop a comprehensive approach to improved community preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience to wildfires, smoke exposure, and post-fire hazards
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