Wildfire is running 157% of average, and it's not just the West
Archive story from the 2026-07-16 edition. This is the reporting as filed; source publication and event dates may differ. Check the dated storyline for subsequent developments.
Wildfire burned 3.1 million acres by June 30, 157% of the ten-year average, and moved outside its usual geography.
3,168,102 acres burned as of June 30 to 157% of the 10-year average. The season broke out of its usual geography: Nebraska's largest fire on record (March), and Georgia's worst wildfire home losses (April, 50k+ acres, 120+ homes). Extreme heat now tops American weather fears, with drought, wildfire, and smoke close behind. Wildfire is the fastest-growing CAT peril globally, insured losses climbing ~12%/year.
Why it matters
Fire, smoke, and post-fire IAQ work is expanding into markets that have never had it. If you're outside the traditional wildfire West, this is a service-line question you now have to answer.
Our assessment
Acreage numbers read as a western problem and a headline. The part that should change your plan is the geography: record fires in Nebraska and heavy home losses in Georgia mean fire and smoke work is arriving in markets that never had it. Do not buy a fleet on a forecast. Get two techs trained to the fire and smoke standard and price one smoke job properly.
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Regulator/Gov / Trade press High confidence at publication
What changed
Storyline: CAT & wildfire
What changed geography broke out of the West; heat/smoke now the top public weather fear.