Wildfires are getting deadlier and costing more. Experts warn they’re becoming unstoppable

The GuardianThursday, October 2, 2025 at 6:00:11 PM
Wildfires are getting deadlier and costing more. Experts warn they’re becoming unstoppable
Wildfires are becoming increasingly deadly and costly, with half of the billion-dollar fires in the last 44 years occurring in just the past decade. The devastating fires in central Chile last year claimed 133 lives, while California's 2018 fires destroyed 18,000 buildings, resulting in $16 billion in damages. Countries like Portugal, Greece, Algeria, and Australia have also faced significant losses. This trend highlights the urgent need for better fire management and climate action to prevent further tragedies.
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