Sounding the Alarm on Wildfires in the Southeastern United States
RFF research has been instrumental in raising awareness about the threat of wildfires in the American South.
Wildfires are increasing in frequency, size, and intensity, so Resources for the Future’s objective, evidence-based research on wildfire is needed now more than ever.
RFF’s Work Bridges the Gap Between Researchers, Policymakers, and the Public.
Local authorities use our work to help predict when and where the next major wildfires are likely to happen. And communities and land managers rely on Resources for the Future (RFF) for clear, easy-to-understand information on why we’re seeing so many wildfires, what can be done to reduce their frequency and destructiveness, and how much those practices will cost.
For example, with limited government resources, identifying where to spend time and money for federal climate-mitigation measures will be key in the coming years. RFF can help with that.
A recent paper by researchers at RFF and the USDA Forest Service looks for counties that either have or will have the unfortunate combination of high social vulnerability and large populations exposed to wildfire, meaning they’re more likely to face adverse health effects or endangerment. The team found a “perfect storm” in the southeastern United States—a blend of increasing climate risk, populous counties, and populations that have difficulty overcoming the impacts of natural disasters.
That research identifying the outheast as more vulnerable to potential wildfires was cited by over 40 news outlets, including the Washington Post, Reuters, Heatmap, and E&E News.
When a series of devastating wildfires raged through the southeastern United States in early 2025, RFF's work provided invaluable context to reporters getting the word out about the growing wildfire risk in the region.
“Wildfire has become an increasing hazard across the United States. As the past few months have shown, it can devastate entire communities in the blink of an eye. RFF’s research provides accurate information on why this is happening, where fires are likely to occur in the future, and strategies to protect the most vulnerable areas. But we can’t do this important work without your support.”
– David Wear, Director of RFF’s Land Use, Forestry, and Agriculture Program
Your generous gift today will enable this critical work to continue.
Resources for the Future (RFF) is an independent, nonpartisan research organization. Our experts bring the brightest economic thinking to bear on complex environmental issues, shaping many of the world’s most successful policies over the past 70 years. Today, we’re applying our expertise to reduce emissions, build resilience, and solve the climate challenge.
RFF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Make your donation today at www.rff.org/donate.
Learn More About Our Work on Wildfires
Wildfires at a Glance
Learn more about the basics of the wildfire crisis in this quick overview.
An Overview of the 2025 LA Wildfires
Listen to this podcast episode with RFF's Yanjun (Penny) Liao, David Wear, and Matthew Wibbenmeyer about the devastating LA wildfires.
Wildfires in the United States 101
In this explainer, learn more about the trends, causes, and impacts of wildfires.
View All of Our Wildfire Research
Click here to learn more about the important work RFF is doing to improve wildfire policy across the United States.