Wildfire Smoke May Worsen Extreme Blazes Near Some Coasts, According to New Research

By Emma Foehringer Merchant

Apart from clouding skies, irritating eyes, clogging respiratory systems and warming the climate, smoke from huge wildfires may actually help fires grow in some coastal areas, according to recently released research. The acrid smoke billowing from a megafire can drive a feedback loop impacting surface winds and humidity to help a fire spread, scientists said.