Consider This from NPR: The Southeastern U.S. Faces a Future with More Wildfires

Release Date: March 27, 2025
Podcast: Consider This
Host: Scott Detrow
Topic: Increasing Wildfires in the Southeastern United States

Introduction

In this episode of NPR's Consider This, host Scott Detrow explores the escalating issue of wildfires in the Southeastern United States, a region traditionally not associated with the frequent and severe wildfire activity seen in the West. The discussion delves into the contributing factors, current challenges, and potential strategies to mitigate future wildfire risks.

Rising Wildfire Incidence in the Southeast

Scott Detrow opens the conversation by highlighting the surprising increase in wildfire incidents in the Southeast. He introduces Zach O'Donnell, the coordinator for the Southern Blue Ridge Prescribed Burn Association in western North Carolina, who confirms the trend:

“I've definitely responded to more fires each year. It seems like, I think that everyone who is in professional firefighting in this region has noticed an increase.”
— Zach O'Donnell [00:10]

O'Donnell notes unusual fire behavior this year, with flames reaching heights of 30 to 40 feet, which is rare for the region:

“I've seen fire flame lengths higher than I've ever seen this year as well, climbing through the rhododendron, 30, 40 foot flames, which for this region is pretty rare.”
— Zach O'Donnell [00:33]

Contributing Factors: Climate Change and Population Growth

The episode identifies a combination of environmental and demographic factors exacerbating wildfire risks in the Southeast. Six months prior, Hurricane Helene severely impacted mountainous forested areas like Asheville, North Carolina, resulting in extensive tree damage and debris accumulation. This, coupled with a dry spring and high winds, has created ideal conditions for wildfires.

Jeremy Knighton, assistant fire chief in Asheville, underscores the compounded threats faced by the community:

“You know, the communities around us have suffered tremendous loss already, and now these fires on top of that. And we know we've lost structures, you know, in these surrounding counties, and we're just really on edge.”
— Jeremy Knighton [01:35]

Rob Scheller, a professor of landscape ecology at North Carolina State University, provides a detailed analysis of the situation:

“The fire risk is elevated and it is severe. We do need to be taking precautions... Hurricane Helene damaged over 800,000 acres of forest... once it gets dried out, this is fantastic fuel for fire.”
— Rob Scheller [03:23]

Scheller further explains how climate change intensifies these risks:

“Climate change has made the risk worse. Rising temperatures allow fuels to dry out faster... precipitation has become much more variable over time... flash droughts... increase fire risk.”
— Rob Scheller [05:11]

Additionally, population growth in the Southeast contributes significantly to the wildfire threat. Rapid expansion of the wildland-urban interface means more homes and lives are at stake, and increased human presence raises the chances of accidental fire ignitions.

“The expansion of the wildland urban interface is a huge factor... more people, more opportunities for fires to negatively impact... more people living near natural vegetation, having barbecues, maybe doing some burning of yard waste.”
— Rob Scheller [04:26]

Challenges in Fire Management

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene presents substantial challenges for firefighting efforts. Zach O'Donnell describes the difficulty in combating fires under these conditions:

“Just the amount of debris down in the forest has made it extremely challenging to fight the fires in the traditional way... have to back up and really think large scale... take our time and make sure we're not putting our firefighters in harm's way.”
— Zach O'Donnell [01:23]

Jeremy Knighton emphasizes the strain on firefighting resources and the heightened state of alert within the community:

“We know we've lost structures... we're just really on edge.”
— Jeremy Knighton [01:35]

Mitigation Strategies and Community Preparedness

Addressing the wildfire threat requires a multifaceted approach. Rob Scheller outlines several strategies to mitigate risks:

1. Fuel Reduction: Implementing salvage logging and prescribed burning to decrease available fuel for fires.
2. Vegetation Management: Homeowners should manage vegetation around their properties to create defensible spaces.
3. Fire-Resistant Construction: Encouraging the use of fireproof materials in building new homes.
4. Preparedness Planning: Developing evacuation routes and having essential items ready to avoid delays during emergencies.

“One ounce of preparedness is better than, you know, 100 pounds of cure in a lot of times... people also need to be reducing their own risk... eliminate any wooden fences... change the way they build new houses... have all those things ready to go in the case of a fire because those delays cause mortality.”
— Jeremy Knighton [02:10]
— Rob Scheller [06:04]

Looking Ahead

The episode concludes with a sobering reminder of the ongoing and future challenges posed by wildfires in the Southeast. As both climate change and population growth continue unabated, the region must adopt comprehensive strategies to enhance resilience and protect communities.

Rob Scheller reinforces the urgency of proactive measures:

“We do need to be taking precautions... there are many sides to the risk story... people also need to be reducing their own risk.”
— Rob Scheller [06:04]

Conclusion

NPR's Consider This effectively sheds light on the emerging wildfire crisis in the Southeastern United States, highlighting the intricate interplay of environmental changes and human expansion. Through expert insights and firsthand accounts, the podcast underscores the necessity of preparedness and collaborative efforts to mitigate the growing threat of wildfires in the region.

Produced by: Erica Ryan
Audio Engineering: Josephine Nyonai and Tiffany Vera Castro
Edited by: Patrick Jaron Watanan
Executive Producer: Sammy Yenigun

For more information on safeguarding against wildfires and supporting public media, visit plus.npr.org/considerthis and protectmypublicmedia.org.