Humans Are Starting Wildfires, Research Finds

Douglas McIntyre, Editor-in-Chief at Climate Crisis 24/7, reports that 87% of wildfires are caused by human actions, including campfires, faulty power lines, and arson. New data debunks the widespread assumption that lightning is the leading cause, suggesting that wildfire occurrences could drop by 90% without human interference. McIntyre notes that this has had serious consequences—nearly 16,000 properties destroyed in Los Angeles this year, and insurance premiums rising by over 17% in some areas. The data highlights the direct role human activity plays in wildfire damage and economic fallout.