A new study from the University of British Columbia reveals that wildfires don’t just scorch landscapes—they can also mess with water quality in ways we’re only starting to understand. When rain hits burned areas, it washes carbon from the charred remains into waterways, and that carbon might eventually find its way back into the atmosphere, potentially fueling a vicious cycle.

Editor’s Note: Wildfires are already devastating, but this research shows their ripple effects go beyond immediate destruction. If burned carbon is re-entering the air through water systems, it could mean wildfires are even worse for the climate than we thought. For communities dealing with both fire risks and water safety, this adds another layer of urgency to prevention and recovery efforts.