Everything you need to know to stay safe and informed in case of a wildfire while travelling.
Wildfires, which are uncontrolled fires burning in natural areas such as forests, grasslands and brushlands, are increasingly becoming a regular phenomenon in many parts of the world. Although wildfires are a natural process for some ecosystems, these fires have become increasingly devastating in frequency and intensity. The effects of climate change and human activity have contributed to their growing impact, making them more widespread, disruptive and deadly.
As wildfires become more prevalent across all regions from Asia to the Americas, they frequently spill over from wilderness to population centres and pose grave risks to travel, safety and health. As they are no longer rare or isolated incidents, they can paralyse global travel networks and compromise public health.
For travellers, the impact is often wide-ranging. Those travelling and conducting business in wildfire-prone regions are at risk of experiencing delays due to grounded flights, highway and road closures and reduced visibility. Travellers may also face personal safety concerns such as unforeseen evacuations, structural damage or destruction, loss of personal belongings and even getting stranded. These hazards can also expose people to a host of health problems, including respiratory issues from thick smoke, sickness due to intense heat and possible burn injuries.
Rapid climate change and human activity are making wildfires increasingly unpredictable and destructive. Increasing spring and summer temperatures are contributing to longer fire seasons, more frequent lightning and severe droughts, all of which are driving a rise in wildfires. Additionally, human activities like unattended campfires, fireworks, sparking powerlines and encroachment on forested lands are responsible for the vast majority of them.
This year’s wildfire season is predicted to be further exacerbated by a potential “Super El Niño” event through the second half of the year, with regions such as the Amazon rainforest, North America (particularly the northwestern US and Canada) and Australia particularly vulnerable. According to research by World Weather Attribution, global wildfire burn areas in the first half of 2026 are already more than 50% above recent averages and almost double the same period in 2024.
Amid such a swiftly deteriorating situation, it is imperative that travellers undertake appropriate measures to safeguard themselves against these fires. Wildfires are no longer just a localised environmental issue; they have the potential to trigger immediate and complex threats to global mobility, public health and community safety. Factors such as careful planning, contingency strategies and a sound understanding of destination-specific risks can greatly enhance traveller safety and security.
Avantika Deb
Asia-Pacific Analyst
As wildfires become more prevalent across all regions from Asia to the Americas, they frequently spill over from wilderness to population centres and pose grave risks to travel, safety and health. As they are no longer rare or isolated incidents, they can paralyse global travel networks and compromise public health.
For travellers, the impact is often wide-ranging. Those travelling and conducting business in wildfire-prone regions are at risk of experiencing delays due to grounded flights, highway and road closures and reduced visibility. Travellers may also face personal safety concerns such as unforeseen evacuations, structural damage or destruction, loss of personal belongings and even getting stranded. These hazards can also expose people to a host of health problems, including respiratory issues from thick smoke, sickness due to intense heat and possible burn injuries.
Rapid climate change and human activity are making wildfires increasingly unpredictable and destructive. Increasing spring and summer temperatures are contributing to longer fire seasons, more frequent lightning and severe droughts, all of which are driving a rise in wildfires. Additionally, human activities like unattended campfires, fireworks, sparking powerlines and encroachment on forested lands are responsible for the vast majority of them.
This year’s wildfire season is predicted to be further exacerbated by a potential “Super El Niño” event through the second half of the year, with regions such as the Amazon rainforest, North America (particularly the northwestern US and Canada) and Australia particularly vulnerable. According to research by World Weather Attribution, global wildfire burn areas in the first half of 2026 are already more than 50% above recent averages and almost double the same period in 2024.
Amid such a swiftly deteriorating situation, it is imperative that travellers undertake appropriate measures to safeguard themselves against these fires. Wildfires are no longer just a localised environmental issue; they have the potential to trigger immediate and complex threats to global mobility, public health and community safety. Factors such as careful planning, contingency strategies and a sound understanding of destination-specific risks can greatly enhance traveller safety and security.
Wildfires are becoming increasingly frequent and severe across the globe, driven in part by climate patterns such as El Niño, which is expected to persist through 2026. In the Americas, large areas from Canada to Argentina are at risk, with the United States and Canada already experiencing rising numbers of fires, widespread evacuations and significant land damage. Latin America also faces seasonal wildfire threats, particularly during dry periods, with countries like Chile and regions such as the Pampas especially vulnerable due to dry vegetation and open landscapes that allow fires to spread rapidly.
We are experiencing more intense wildfires and longer fire seasons, with dry and windy conditions often increasing their speed and unpredictability. To protect communities and visitors, local authorities may issue pre-emptive emergency declarations, allowing them to deploy resources swiftly to at-risk areas.
Wildfires present serious health hazards that go beyond the immediate threat of fire. Exposure to intense heat can cause burns, ranging from minor redness to severe, life-threatening injuries. Wildfires often coincide with heatwaves. This increases the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly affecting those with pre-existing heart, lung or kidney problems.
