12 States Where Devastating Wildfires Are an Unfortunate Norm

As temperatures rise and dry conditions set in, we enter the dreaded time of year known as wildfire season. In 2023 alone, the National Centers for Environmental Information reported that over 55,000 fires burned around 2.6 million acres of wildland, and this was one of the less devastating years.

Having lived in California, I have experienced firsthand the ashy rain that covers car roofs and smoky skies in an apocalyptic shade of red. If you’re traveling this season, make sure to check alerts.

So, where are wildfires most common in the United States? Based on the number of acres burned in 2022, these are 12 US states that are most prone to wildfires and top the list every year.

1. Alaska

• Number of Fires: 595
• Acres Burned: 3,110,976

Alaska might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wildfires, but it actually leads the country in terms of acres burned.

Although the state is covered in snow most of the year, its vast wilderness areas are highly susceptible during the long summer days. Firefighting efforts are really challenging when the area is so remote.

While the numbers vary year to year, the overall trend points towards more frequent and intense wildfires. Even though the NPS has determined that 85% of wildfires are human-caused, most here are caused by lightning strikes rather than human activity.

2. New Mexico

• Number of Fires: 748
• Acres Burned: 859,906

New Mexico’s desert landscapes are beautiful, but that makes the state a frequent target for wildfires.

The combination of high temperatures and low humidity creates a tinderbox effect. Many of these occur in forested areas, but grasslands are also at risk.

Smoke from these fires can blow into populated areas and mess with air quality. If you’re hiking or camping in New Mexico, especially in early summer (but really anytime now), keep an eye on the conditions!

3. Texas

• Number of Fires: 12,571
• Acres Burned: 671,800

Everything’s bigger in Texas, including its wildfire statistics. Texas has a diverse landscape, from forests to grasslands, all of which are susceptible.

Hot, dry weather and strong winds can make fires spread quickly. Rural areas often lack sufficient firefighting resources to control the blazes.

Human activities like farming and construction are common fire starters, causing significant losses to livestock and property.

4. Oregon

• Number of Fires: 2,117
• Acres Burned: 456,082

Oregon’s beautiful forests and landscapes are, unfortunately, also prime wildfire territory. These fires can have a huge impact on air quality and public health. I remember I went to Crater Lake one summer, and you couldn’t see anything!

While efforts to control and prevent wildfires are ongoing, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events makes it harder to predict and manage them.

5. Idaho

• Number of Fires: 1,088
• Acres Burned: 436,733

Blazes rip through Idaho’s vast forests and open spaces. Dry conditions and strong winds can make even a small spark turn deadly.

The 1988 Yellowstone fires, though technically starting in Wyoming, significantly affected Idaho as well, burning over 1.2 million acres in total.

6. Oklahoma

• Number of Fires: 2,811
• Acres Burned: 385,133

Oklahoma’s dry conditions cause conflagrations to spread rapidly across the state’s grasslands. The 2017 Northwest Oklahoma Wildfires were particularly brutal, burning over 780,000 acres and causing significant losses.

7. California

• Number of Fires: 7,884
• Acres Burned: 309,287

California is infamous for its wildfire seasons, and every year seems to bring in more startling numbers in terms of destruction. I must say I’m surprised that the state has a high number of fires but doesn’t rank high in acres burned.

Hot, dry winds, especially the Santa Anas, exacerbate these conditions. Many national parks close their doors to visitors when a fire rips through or the air quality becomes unsafe.

The 2018 Camp Fire was the deadliest and most destructive in California’s history. It decimated the town of Paradise, taking 85 lives and burning nearly 153,000 acres.

8. Washington

• Number of Fires: 1,492
• Acres Burned: 173,659

Even though Washington’s terrain is very varied, it still faces bad wildfire seasons. Not as dry as some of its neighboring states, the state has seen an uptick in both the number and severity of wildfires.

9. Florida

• Number of Fires: 2,784
• Acres Burned: 164,774

Florida’s inclusion on this list might surprise some people. Although it’s famous for its beaches, its dry conditions and frequent lightning strikes make it prone to fires. The state’s wetlands and forests are particularly vulnerable during dry spells.

10. Montana

• Number of Fires: 2,087
• Acres Burned: 137,509

Montana sees its fair share of blazes on the wide-open grassland steppe expanses. It may be a relatively unpopulated state, but blazes can have devastating effects on local agriculture and wildlife. The 2017 Lodgepole Complex Fire consumed over 270,000 acres and was among the worst in recent memory.

11. Arizona

• Number of Fires: 1,432
• Acres Burned: 124,165

Arizona is hot. The arid climate and heat make desert landscapes particularly prone to wildfires, which can spread quickly through the state.

The Wallow Fire in 2011 was a wake-up call, burning over 538,000 acres and becoming the largest in Arizona’s history. Efforts to improve fire management are ongoing, but the trend is worrisome as temperatures continue to rise.

12. Kansas

• Number of Fires: 67
• Acres Burned: 84,015

Kansas might not have as many fires as other states, but its flat, dry plains can still see significant burns. The state’s prairies allow fires to spread quickly and cover large areas, especially during dry spells.

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