Researchers say 2025 wildfires set cost record (opens in new tab)

A new scientific review found that 2025 was the most economically damaging wildfire year on record, even as the total land area burned worldwide fell near historic lows. A team led by the University of East Anglia reported that 335 million hectares burned globally, 16% below the long-term average and the second-lowest total since 2002. The review said destructive fires hit California, Canada, Europe and South Korea. Severe fires in densely populated and wealthier regions drove the losses. Res...