Wildfires Increasingly Synchronized Across the Globe

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A new study published in the journal Science has found that the ideal conditions for major wildfires are now aligning across different parts of the world at more than double the rate they did nearly 50 years ago. Climate change is a major driver, accounting for about half of this increase. This has led to periods of inescapable smoke from blazes and more stress on firefighters, expanding the public health, economic, and social costs of infernos. As the climate continues to warm, these trends are likely to continue to worsen.

Why it matters

The synchronization of extreme fire weather conditions across the globe makes it harder for countries to coordinate firefighting efforts, as they will have their own blazes to deal with and less outside help available. This could lead to more years with multiple major wildfires occurring simultaneously, resulting in prolonged periods of poor air quality that take a toll on public health.

The details

Researchers analyzed global climate and fire data from 1979 to 2024 and found that days with extreme fire weather conditions in multiple regions at the same time have more than doubled over the majority of fire-prone landscapes. Climate variability drivers like the El Niño–Southern Oscillation tend to create synchronized fire weather conditions across continents, particularly in boreal regions. Climate change driven by humans has led to about half of the observed increase in synchronized fire weather since 1979.

• The study was published on February 18, 2026.
• The researchers analyzed data from 1979 to 2024.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The researchers caution that even when weather conditions are favorable to fire, they aren't a guarantee that one will ignite, as fires also need fuel and a source of ignition. They say better measurement of all three dimensions - weather, fuel, and ignition - is needed to improve fire prediction and prevention.