Reimagine fire science for the Anthropocene

Background

Fire has long shaped ecosystems and played a crucial role in human history. Today, in the Anthropocene—the era of significant human impact on the planet—climate change and altered ecosystems are making fires more dangerous. Fire seasons are growing longer, more land is burning, and more people face increasing risks. These fires threaten human health, destroy property, and disrupt natural systems. Addressing this growing fire danger requires collaboration across disciplines. Instead of simply observing and modeling fires, we must develop better ways to predict, manage, and even use fire safely. This demands breaking down knowledge silos and fostering interdisciplinary approaches.

Goals and Methods

The authors identify barriers and opportunities in current fire science and provide recommendations for future research investment. Their approach synthesizes insights across disciplines, highlighting five key interconnected challenges to drive innovation in fire science.

Conclusions and Takeaways

To address escalating wildfire risks, society must invest in a new, proactive fire science framework. Current approaches, which are fragmented and reactive, are no longer sufficient. A successful reimagining of fire science must integrate diverse disciplines, incorporate Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and use fire as a lens for fundamental scientific inquiry. Additionally, leveraging existing data through improved infrastructure and collaboration will enhance predictive models that consider human dimensions, ultimately strengthening resilience planning. This shift is essential for developing sustainable strategies that allow communities to coexist with fire while ensuring environmental and social justice in an increasingly flammable world.