Increased Fire Risk in Southwestern USA

Because tree growth rings vary in width with annual precipitation, scientists have used tree rings to reconstruct the fire history of an area for decades. This year, exceptionally dry conditions have been seen in Arizona and rain does not seem to be coming any time soon (which means this area of the country is set up for a dangerously big wildfire in the near future). A wildfire of that magnitude would result with a loss of vegetation that would not only leave the area vulnerable to post-fire flooding that could wipe out roads but could also clog vital water infrastructures that would inevitably lead to the displacement of many people.