Environment & Climate

Federal data shows humans cause more than three-quarters of U.S. wildfires

Human activity accounts for most fire ignitions, though lightning remains a major driver of total acreage burned in the West.

Updated Aug 27, 2026 · 18:34 UTC1 reports

The short version

Federal data compiled by Headwaters Economics shows that humans cause more than 75% of U.S. wildfires through negligence, power lines, or arson.
Human-ignited fires frequently occur near populated areas in the wildland-urban interface, increasing the threat to lives and property.
While human activity drives the overall number of ignitions, lightning strikes account for the majority of the 2.3 million acres burned in Oregon this summer.
Authorities in Washington state recently arrested a man accused of intentionally starting the Old Trails Fire, which destroyed hundreds of homes near Spokane.

Federal data compiled by Headwaters Economics indicates that human activity—including negligence, power line failures, and arson—causes more than three-quarters of all U.S. wildfires.[NPR]
Spokane County authorities arrested 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci for allegedly starting the Old Trails Fire in early August, which burned hundreds of homes and became one of Washington state's most destructive wildfires.[NPR]
According to court documents, Farinacci told police he started over two dozen wildfires; he currently faces arson charges for five separate blazes around Spokane.[NPR]
Lightning strikes caused the majority of the 2.3 million acres burned in Oregon during the summer.[NPR]
Climate scientists point out that higher temperatures and drier vegetation from climate change are extending the fire season across the American West.[NPR]

Investigators have not yet determined the specific origin or cause of the Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada, beyond assessing that it was likely human-caused.[NPR]