Tree rings and fire scars show fewer forest fires burn in North America today than in the past

Fewer wildfires burn in North American forests today than in previous centuries, increasing the risk of more severe wildfires, according to research published in Nature Communications. The findings may seem counterintuitive, but frequent low-lying surface fires often maintain balance in forests by reducing fuel sources across large areas. Fewer wildfires burn in North American forests today than in previous centuries, increasing the risk of more severe wildfires, according to research published in Nature Communications. The findings may seem counterintuitive, but frequent low-lying surface fires often maintain balance in forests by reducing fuel sources across large areas. Earth Sciences Environment Phys.org – latest science and technology news stories