Wildfires, also known as bushfires or forest fires, are uncontrolled fires that burn in wildland areas, which can include forests, grasslands, and other natural landscapes. These fires can occur due to natural causes, such as lightning, or human activities, such as campfires, discarded cigarettes, or arson. Wildfires spread rapidly, fueled by dry vegetation, wind, and weather conditions, and can cause significant damage to ecosystems, wildlife, and human property. They can also have severe impacts on air quality and can contribute to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Efforts to prevent and manage wildfires include controlled burns, firebreaks, and firefighting efforts, but the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in some regions are often exacerbated by climate change and land management practices.
Nature unleashed severe weather across the Plains, Midwest, and South, transforming landscapes into battlegrounds. Communities from Texas to Missouri faced powerful gales and dust storms, with Texas experiencing apocalyptic firestorms.…