… Wildfires are a natural part of the ecosystem in the West, where forests have evolved to thrive with frequent fires. But climate change is disrupting that delicate balance. Experts say that the heat and dryness associated with climate change are producing larger and more intense wildfires and that wildfire seasons are becoming longer. In California, climate change is likely to have significantly increased wildfire activity, according to experts. But there are other factors that contribute to the state’s frequent blazes, including a history of wildfire suppression and construction of houses near forests. Of the 10 largest fires in California history, seven occurred in the 2020s.

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• Northern California Water Association: Addressing wildfire impacts on Chinook salmon