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Wildfires are no longer limited to remote forests — they increasingly threaten businesses, schools, and entire communities. In 2024, US wildfires burned nearly 8.9 million acres, a significant rise from 2023’s 2.7 million, and destroyed over 80 commercial and mixed‑use structures. And earlier this year in 2025, the Southern California wildfires devastated the Greater Los Angeles area.
Hot, dry conditions set the stage for wildfire season, making temperature and precipitation key factors in assessing local wildfire risk. For example, Midwestern states generally face lower wildfire threats in the winter and spring when cooler temperatures and higher rainfall reduce fire potential. However, in many parts of the country, the wildfire season now starts earlier and lasts longer, primarily driven by climate change.
Human activities, such as unattended campfires, burning debris, discarded cigarettes, and arson, are the primary causes of most wildfires. Natural and mechanical factors, such as lightning strikes or downed power lines, also play a significant role.
So, how can your organization help employees and team members who may be impacted by wildfires? It all begins with understanding the risks wildfires pose.
The Dangers of Wildfires
Wildfires pose a severe and growing threat to public safety, infrastructure, and the environment. Beyond the immediate danger of flames, they generate intense heat, thick smoke, and fast-moving embers that can ignite structures miles away from the fire’s origin.
You might believe your area is safe from wildfires, but under the right conditions, wildfires can ignite almost anywhere. While they’re most frequent in states like California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Oklahoma, Montana, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, and New Mexico, no region is entirely immune.
Every year, wildfires affect millions of Americans in multiple ways, including:
- Damaging or destroying homes, businesses, and infrastructure in their path
- Threatening health and safety, as both flames and smoke can cause serious illness or even death
- Polluting the air with smoke, ash, and soot, harming not only human health but also contributing to broader environmental challenges
Wildfires are more than a regional concern; they’re a growing national threat that demands awareness and preparation.
2024 US Wildfire Statistics
According to the National Interagency Coordination Center, wildfires :
- Total fires (US): There were 64,897 wildfires in 2024, compared to 56,580 in 2023
- Acres burned (US): 8,924,884 acres, more than triple the 2,693,910 acres from 2023
- YTD acres burned: 131% of the 10‑year average by the end of September
- Annual total: Year-end acres burned were 127% of the 10-year average, with 104% of the average fire count
2025 US Wildfires Statistics to Date
- Approximately 29,239 wildfires have occurred, scorching about 1.24 million acres so far.
- Approximately 1.26 million personnel have actively participated in wildfire suppression efforts.
- Currently, there are 10 large fire incidents under suppression, with seven actively burning and 30 new ones that have recently emerged.
Notable Incidents
- The devastating Southern California wildfires engulfed the Greater Los Angeles Area, causing mass destruction and evacuations. Emergency Assistance Foundation and our Fund Partners responded immediately to ensure that direct financial assistance reached impacted people and families quickly and efficiently.
- Florida has experienced 2,171 fires, which have consumed approximately 102,288 acres to date.
How Establishing a Disaster Relief Fund With Emergency Assistance Foundation Will Help Provide Aid to Team Members Affected by Wildfires
If you’re interested in ensuring your team members are well taken care of but unsure about how to launch an employee relief fund, we’re here to help!
In the aftermath of severe weather, a disaster, or personal hardship, your organization needs the ability to help impacted team members rebuild and recover from the potentially devastating impact. A relief fund can boost morale and enable your employees to donate and contribute directly to supporting their fellow team members. Establishing a relief fund can alleviate the stress that disasters and hardships put on those within your organization, allowing them to stay focused on recovering from the event.
If your organization is interested in launching a relief fund, consider establishing a fund with EAF today. As a financial first responder, we’re resourceful and fearless in ensuring that financial assistance reaches individuals in need, no matter the unique circumstances involved.
By establishing a fund with us today, your organization can support team members affected by wildfires and other hardships. Relief fund grants can help individuals impacted by difficult times pull through and start on the path toward recovery. If you’d like to learn more about how your organization can help your team during crises, you can review additional information about how a fund works or contact us today. We look forward to helping you make a difference for those who need it most!
Wildfire Preparation Tips to Share with Team Members
While completely preventing wildfires is impossible, there are things that you can do to reduce the risk of causing a wildfire and prepare in case one does occur. Here are some tips to share with your team members about how to prepare for wildfires:
- Pay Attention to Warnings and Alerts - The first tip to share with team members for preparing for wildfires is to understand and recognize warnings and alerts. They can get automatic alerts through the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), but they can also sign up for alerts from local community sources. Additionally, remind them to pay attention to the local news so they stay up to date on any potential wildfire threats and know when they need to take action.
- Make a Plan - Next, urge team members to make a plan so they are prepared in the event of a wildfire. This is especially important for individuals living in areas that are prone to wildfires. Their plan should include coming up with multiple evacuation routes, each family member making bags of essentials for a quick escape, getting documents in order, and planning for any other specific needs, like pet needs.
- Build an Emergency Kit - After making a plan, remind team members to build an emergency kit so they have everything they need if they are ordered to evacuate. It’s also important for team members to keep their cars completely fueled, so they don’t run into any issues with getting out if they are ordered to evacuate.
- Know Evacuation Zones - Finally, stress the importance of team members knowing their evacuation zones, so they understand when it’s time to leave and seek safety. Local authorities will assist with any evacuation, so remind team members to listen to their instructions. They should evacuate as soon as their zone is called.
