Flames ahead? Why experts are worried about this year’s wildfire season
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As the calendar pages turn and we find ourselves navigating the heart of 2025, the specter of wildfire season looms large over the United States.
With an ominous beginning that has already claimed lives and landscapes, experts are sounding the alarm: this year could be one of the most destructive on record.
So, let's delve into what the experts are saying about the upcoming wildfire season and what it means for you and your loved ones.
A Fiery Forecast: Up to 9 Million Acres at Risk
The catastrophic wildfires that ravaged California in January set a grim tone for 2025, and subsequent fires in the Carolinas (March) and New Jersey suggest a long, challenging year ahead for firefighters nationwide.
In an April 23 forecast, AccuWeather warned that US wildfires could burn significantly more land than usual this year, with projections reaching up to 9 million acres—well above the historical average of 7 million acres.
“The firestorm that ripped through Southern California in early January caused catastrophic damage and heartbreaking loss," said AccuWeather meteorologist Paul Pastelok. "Families and businesses need to prepare for yet another active year of wildfires in America."
“We’ve seen fires reported across 20 states that have already burned nearly 1 million acres so far this year," Pastelok noted.
For example, New Jersey has faced nearly twice its usual number of wildfires in 2025. Nationally, “AccuWeather is forecasting 7 to 9 million acres to burn across the country this year, which is more than the historical average.”
The Spring Outlook: Drought and Danger
The highest fire risk this spring lies in the drought-stricken southern Plains and interior Southwest.
"Despite a few early spring storms, drought conditions remain deeply entrenched," Pastelok explained. "Dry, windy and low-humidity days are expected to be frequent ... leading to rapid drying of available fuels and an increased number of high-risk wildfire days.”
The East Coast, including parts of Florida, also faces elevated fire risk due to abnormally dry conditions.
In earlier news: Get your $770 now: Essential FEMA claim guide for California wildfire victims
The Carolinas are especially vulnerable after Hurricane Helene’s destruction in 2024: “There is an ongoing risk of fires across parts of the Carolinas and the southern Appalachians this spring. The trees that toppled over during the extreme winds from Helene have left behind piles of timber that act as fuel for any fires that spark.”
Pastelok added, “We fear the risk of fires in the southern Appalachians will intensify over the next two years as all of the trees knocked down by Helene continue to dry out.”
The Summer Scenario: A Surge in Wildfire Activity
Wildfires are expected to surge this summer in the Northwest, northern Rockies, Southwest, and south-central states.
"While the season may start slowly, there is strong potential for rapid escalation as drought conditions and heat set in," said Pastelok. "This is the time of year when grasses, brush and other vegetation really start to dry out as trigger mechanisms kick in, like lightning and wind."
California may see most of its fire activity later in the season.
Source: AccuWeather / Youtube.
Human Role in Wildfires
Though weather and climate conditions (e.g., heat, drought, lightning) contribute, approximately 90% of US wildfires are human-caused—sparked by power lines, cigarettes, campfires, fireworks, lawn equipment, trains, or vehicle malfunctions.
Read next: Fight fire with facts–Essential wildfire smoke safety tips that you should know
Have you been affected by wildfires in the past? Do you have tips for preparing for this wildfire season? Share your stories and advice in the comments below! Your experience could help a neighbor stay safe.
With an ominous beginning that has already claimed lives and landscapes, experts are sounding the alarm: this year could be one of the most destructive on record.
So, let's delve into what the experts are saying about the upcoming wildfire season and what it means for you and your loved ones.
A Fiery Forecast: Up to 9 Million Acres at Risk
The catastrophic wildfires that ravaged California in January set a grim tone for 2025, and subsequent fires in the Carolinas (March) and New Jersey suggest a long, challenging year ahead for firefighters nationwide.
In an April 23 forecast, AccuWeather warned that US wildfires could burn significantly more land than usual this year, with projections reaching up to 9 million acres—well above the historical average of 7 million acres.
“The firestorm that ripped through Southern California in early January caused catastrophic damage and heartbreaking loss," said AccuWeather meteorologist Paul Pastelok. "Families and businesses need to prepare for yet another active year of wildfires in America."
“We’ve seen fires reported across 20 states that have already burned nearly 1 million acres so far this year," Pastelok noted.
Wildfires are expected to burn up to 9 million acres in the US in 2025, surpassing the 7 million acre historical average. Image source: Anasmeister / Unsplash.
For example, New Jersey has faced nearly twice its usual number of wildfires in 2025. Nationally, “AccuWeather is forecasting 7 to 9 million acres to burn across the country this year, which is more than the historical average.”
The Spring Outlook: Drought and Danger
The highest fire risk this spring lies in the drought-stricken southern Plains and interior Southwest.
"Despite a few early spring storms, drought conditions remain deeply entrenched," Pastelok explained. "Dry, windy and low-humidity days are expected to be frequent ... leading to rapid drying of available fuels and an increased number of high-risk wildfire days.”
The East Coast, including parts of Florida, also faces elevated fire risk due to abnormally dry conditions.
In earlier news: Get your $770 now: Essential FEMA claim guide for California wildfire victims
The Carolinas are especially vulnerable after Hurricane Helene’s destruction in 2024: “There is an ongoing risk of fires across parts of the Carolinas and the southern Appalachians this spring. The trees that toppled over during the extreme winds from Helene have left behind piles of timber that act as fuel for any fires that spark.”
Pastelok added, “We fear the risk of fires in the southern Appalachians will intensify over the next two years as all of the trees knocked down by Helene continue to dry out.”
The Summer Scenario: A Surge in Wildfire Activity
Wildfires are expected to surge this summer in the Northwest, northern Rockies, Southwest, and south-central states.
"While the season may start slowly, there is strong potential for rapid escalation as drought conditions and heat set in," said Pastelok. "This is the time of year when grasses, brush and other vegetation really start to dry out as trigger mechanisms kick in, like lightning and wind."
California may see most of its fire activity later in the season.
Source: AccuWeather / Youtube.
Human Role in Wildfires
Though weather and climate conditions (e.g., heat, drought, lightning) contribute, approximately 90% of US wildfires are human-caused—sparked by power lines, cigarettes, campfires, fireworks, lawn equipment, trains, or vehicle malfunctions.
Read next: Fight fire with facts–Essential wildfire smoke safety tips that you should know
Have you been affected by wildfires in the past? Do you have tips for preparing for this wildfire season? Share your stories and advice in the comments below! Your experience could help a neighbor stay safe.
