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  • Writer's pictureWildfire Aware

Wildfires Around the World: The Leading Cause

Updated: Jan 17, 2023


Leading Cause of Wildfires in the World

  • Natural (Lightning)

  • Human (Agricultural Burning)

Every year, millions of acres of land are destroyed by wildfires around the world. While some fires are caused by natural occurrences, such as lightning strikes, the majority of wildfires are actually caused by human activity. In many parts of the world, agricultural burning is the leading cause of these devastating events. Let’s explore what this means and why it’s such a major issue.


What is Agricultural Burning?

Agricultural burning is a process that has been used for centuries in some parts of the world to clear land for planting crops or grazing livestock. This type of burning often occurs during dry seasons when there is an increased risk for fires to spread quickly and uncontrollably. As a result, this practice has become one of the leading causes of wildfires outside of North America and Europe.


The Impact on Local Communities

Agricultural burning can have a devastating impact on local communities and ecosystems. Not only does it destroy valuable vegetation, but it also creates air pollution that can be harmful to human health and animal life. It can also reduce crop yields due to soil erosion and damage to crops from smoke inhalation or fire damage. Additionally, agricultural burning contributes significantly to global warming through its release of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.

In order to reduce wildfire risk in areas where agricultural burning is common, it is important for governments to provide access to resources and education about safe burning practices. They should also work with local farmers to promote more sustainable farming practices that reduce the need for burning in order to protect their livelihoods and their environment from further destruction.


Agro-burning remains one of the leading causes of wildfires worldwide—but it doesn’t have to be that way! By encouraging governments, organizations, and local communities in affected areas to take proactive steps toward reducing agro-burning practices, we can help protect our planet from further devastation caused by uncontrolled fires. Ultimately, awareness about safe burning practices and access to resources are key components in protecting our Earth from wildfire destruction while preserving local economies and promoting sustainability in farming practices around the globe!


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