Study Finds Western Farmland Helps Stop Wildfires, But Loss Increases Risk
- Reports
- 2
- Developments
- 1
- Repetition
- 50%
New informationRepeats or wire copies
What happened
A study led by the Desert Research Institute examined nearly 10,000 wildfires across 11 Western states between 1985 and 2024. The research found that cropland is highly effective at stopping wildfires, being five times more likely to stop a fire than grasslands, shrubs, or forests. However, the study also noted that roughly 10.6 million acres of Western cropland have disappeared over the last four decades.
From upr.org
Why it matters
The findings suggest that as states seek methods to conserve water, the loss of farmland could introduce unexpected wildfire risks. Researchers noted that crops with higher moisture content, such as irrigated alfalfa and hay, tend to be less flammable.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Desert Research Institute led a study on snowmelt.
From upr.org
Who's involved
- Desert Research InstituteLed the study examining wildfire patterns and farmland conversion in the West.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Desert Research InstituteSpeculative
The publication of the study might enhance the Desert Research Institute's reputation and potential for future grant funding.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- How could the study on farmland and wildfire risk affect Climate Central?New study links land use change to wildfire and water riskPossible
- Farmland study may influence Colorado's water and wildfire planningFarmland study may influence Colorado's water and wildfire planningPossible
- Farmland loss and wildfire risk may impact Colorado River water planningThe Colorado River may face new pressures from land use and wildfire risk planningPossible
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The entities involved
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Desert Research Institute
public research institute in Nevada, U.S.
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