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Lightning-Caused Wildfires
As the graphic shows, people cause most wildfires. But lightning-ignited fires burn by far the most territory.
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Top 10 Hardest Hit States of 2011
A look at which states were hit hardest by extreme climate and weather events in 2011.
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Wildfires in the West
In 2006, wildfires burned seven million acres in the West, the equivalent area of five of the country's largest national parks.
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In Nevada, Fires Follow Rain
In a desert state like Nevada, heavy rains promote plant growth but can lead to more wildfires.
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In Montana, Fires Follow Drought
In a forested state like Montana, hotter and drier years leave forests more susceptible to large wildfires.
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Can Rain Cause More Fire?
Volatile precipitation patterns, with heavy rains followed by drought, can lead to ideal conditions for wildfires in some states.
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Mountain Snowmelt and Fire
In recent decades in the American West, wildfires have burned about 17 times more land in years with early snowmelt than with late.
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Early vs. Late Snowmelt
Satellite-derived images comparing the first full week of April in years with early (2002) vs. late (2008) snowmelt.
