Large portions of California, the southwestern U.S., and northern British Columbia are facing extreme drought, leaving vegetation dry and highly flammable.² Other regions in North America, including historically low-risk areas like the Northeast, are also experiencing increased drought, leading to dry vegetation and higher wildfire risks. Consequently, areas previously unaffected by major wildfire threats may now face them more frequently, on a larger scale, and during times typically considered "offseason."

It’s too early to know if El Niño will appear this summer. Historically, El Niño events have been associated with increased wildfire activity due to reduced rainfall and elevated temperatures, which exacerbate fire risks.³ As of mid-April 2025, sea surface temperatures are near average, indicating 2025 may experience neutral conditions.⁴

In the past 10 years, fire seasons have lengthened, with some areas facing fires throughout the year. Experts anticipate this pattern will persist in 2025, with fires starting earlier in the year and extending well into the fall.

Prescribed burn practices have greatly reduced in recent years. This has increased vegetation, which becomes highly flammable fuel for fires. Drought-stressed trees also contribute to the problem, as they are more susceptible to ignition.

Human-caused fires continue to be a major concern. As more people move into urban-wildland interface areas, the risk of accidental ignition rises.⁵ People mistakenly believe that large flames are the primary cause of destruction, but wind-driven embers travel beyond the initial danger zone, turning wildland fires into urban disasters. 

The rapidly increasing domestic demand for energy, driven by the growth of energy-intensive data centers, poses a major risk to power grid improvements. These centers consume vast amounts of energy, and utility companies must find sustainable and safe ways to meet this demand while limiting fire risk. Expanding the energy grid, however, introduces more potential fire vulnerabilities.