Approximately 90% of Pacific Northwest wildfires are caused by humans and it's only getting worse

About 90% of wildfires in the northwest are started by humans, and despite repeated messaging about fire safety, that number continues to grow.
Hilary Franz, Washington’s Commissioner of Public Lands, said so far in 2024, there’s already been a 40% increase in fires in the state compared to the same time last year. This comes after 2023 brought more fires on the west side of the Cascades compared to the east side for the first time ever.
Franz attributes the change in geographic location of the fires to a lack of wildfire awareness from people on the west side, where major wildfires have historically been far less common than on the east side.

[@circa1890]

Humans... ugh. 🙄

[@A3Kr0n]

Remember: Smokey says only YOU can prevent forest fires!

[@carebear2272]

Take fire away from people except the reasonable fire owners, that have a fire safe and a lock on the matches and lighters when unattended!

[@sixfigureskibum]

People have died from fires started by target shooters .. your illogical attempt at satire fails grossly

[@carebear2272]

All joking aside your right, one was started buy irresponsible target shooters up north fork of the snoqualmie river from our house on Lennox creek.

[@carebear2272]

There are tracer rounds that could also start a fire or armor piercing rounds which are difficult to get

[@Westernkind]

Important story, thanks K5. Glad to know the fires are investigated.

[@gigiherrington3072]

In Goldendale, the fire is usually caused by lightning.

[@catdaddy2643]

Why is 1 such a lonely number?

[@RichardMaginnis]

Thats spooky & the 1st time hearing this, i thought it was lightning

[@JTSunriseMusic]

Too many people

[@catdaddy2643]

Humans be wild animals

[@dixienormus7211]

I thought it was climate change. Lol

[@TheGoldenV-bl9pj]

Turns out it was mostly just your mum. Who knew?

[@Westernkind]

That's how it's often reported but of course it's nearly always people either stupid or intentional.

[@catdaddy2643]

Bung moa?

[@lendog69218]

Yes 90% caused by humans that work for the power company's so they can raise the rates

[@appaloosa42]

Bushwah

[@signemarkuson1940]

🙏 no fools, no fires,

[@jlvandat69]

If they kept the cigar butt, then it seems possible they may find the idiot who started the fire via DNA evidence. Let's hope....

[@sixfigureskibum]

Most fires are very small. Both man caused or natural. Suppression of natural fires over time causes fuel loading and combined with climate changes leads to catastrophic destruction where low intensity high frequency fires are natural

[@antisocialmoth]

We need Covid-24