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Global wildfire incidents declined during pandemic lockdowns, study finds (opens in a new tab)

news-medical.net · 2026-10-09

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Claim 1 of 8Not checkedWhen the COVID-19 pandemic brought human activity to a standstill around the world in the first half of 2020, wildfire incidents also declined by more than 12%.View evidenceHide evidence

As statedmore than 12%

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The source study was found, but this claim couldn't be checked against it.

Claim 2 of 8Not checkedA new study publishing October 9 in the Cell Press journal Cell Reports Sustainability says humans play a complex dual role in shaping global fire patterns, both as a source of fire and in helping keep fires in check.View evidenceHide evidence

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Claim 3 of 8Not checkedThe researchers found fire incidents decreased by more than 27% in forests and 8% in grasslands, suggesting those ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to human-caused fires.View evidenceHide evidence

As statedmore than 27% in forests and 8% in grasslands

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Claim 4 of 8Not checkedThe team analyzed satellite observations of fires, meteorological data, government lockdown policies, and mobility patterns, comparing the first six months of 2020 with wildfire patterns from 2013 to 2019.View evidenceHide evidence

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Claim 5 of 8Not checkedThe researchers reported that global fire incidents fell by 12.3% in 2020, with smaller burn areas and lower carbon emissions than historical averages.View evidenceHide evidence

As stated12.3%

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Claim 6 of 8Not checkedRegional changes varied substantially, including a 79% drop in Australia and nearly 23% in the United States, but increases in Colombia and Honduras.View evidenceHide evidence

As stated79% drop in Australia; nearly 23% in the United States; 31% increase in Colombia; 70% increase in Honduras

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The source study was found, but this claim couldn't be checked against it.

Claim 7 of 8Not checkedThe article says prescribed burns in 12 countries fell to about half the historical average in 2020, and that overall fire incidents in those countries still declined by more than 27% after accounting for that reduction.View evidenceHide evidence

As statedabout half the historical average; more than 27%

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The source study was found, but this claim couldn't be checked against it.

Claim 8 of 8Not checkedThe team suggests that where human-caused ignition is dominant, stricter control of fire use may reduce fire incidence, while in areas with limited human activity and scarce fire-management resources, better monitoring and patrols may matter more.View evidenceHide evidence

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Unraveling the dual roles of human activity in shaping global fire regimes

Cell Reports Sustainability · 2026

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Crossref, Europe PMC, PubMed · 41 candidate papers

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Unraveling the dual roles of human activity in shaping global fire regimes

Cell Reports Sustainability · 2026 · Crossref

Source (opens in a new tab)

And 35 more candidates considered.