Executive Summary:
- April marks the official start of the 2025 North American Wildfire Season.
- Experts are predicting an active wildfire season comparable or even worse than the previous year. This is attributed in part to below average rainfall, climate change, and subpar forest management practices.
- Technological advances play a crucial role in helping firefighters manage and combat wildfires more effectively. An increased use of tools like drones and satellites help officials detect fires earlier, predict fire behavior patterns, and even mapping out evacuation routes.
Situation Report (SITREP):
Officially, April marks the beginning of the 2025 North American Wildfire Season. This year, meteorologists and emergency management professionals are predicting an intense season. While wildfires have always been an annual threat, particularly in the western United States (US), Canada, and parts of Mexico, and the 2025 season is predicted to be comparable or even worse than the predeceasing year.
Wildfire seasons in North America have been exponentially growing longer and more severe and scientists predict the 2025 season will continue along these trend patterns. Early predictions from both the US National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and Environment Canada suggest the Pacific Northwest, parts of California, the Rocky Mountains, and southern British Columbia could experience above-average fire activity. This is due to a combination of factors such as dry conditions, higher-than-usual temperatures, poor forestry management, and an already sparse snowpack in certain areas. Some regions in the western US and Canada are already grappling with drought conditions, which are expected to worsen, further raising the risk of ignition and fire spread.
Impact Analysis and Recommended Course of Action:
Due to the devastation of last year’s fire season and the lessons learned from lack of preparation, governments and local authorities have already taking steps to prepare. Early allocation of resources, such as fire retardants, equipment, and personnel, is a critical part of the prevention and containment strategy. Firefighting teams in the US and Canada are already on high alert, while some states have already declared wildfire seasons, signaling that resources will be mobilized quickly as needed.
Public awareness campaigns are underway to help residents understand the risks and prepare their homes for the possibility of evacuation. Authorities are stressing the importance of creating defensible spaces around homes and making sure emergency kits are ready for families. Early mitigation efforts, including controlled burns and the removal of dead vegetation, are also ramping up to reduce potential fuel for wildfires.
In recent years, advances in technology have played a crucial role in helping firefighters manage and combat wildfires more effectively. In 2025, we are seeing the expansion of tools like drones and satellites for detecting fires earlier, predicting fire behavior patterns, and even mapping out evacuation routes. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered systems and real-time data also allow firefighting teams to make better-informed decisions and respond quickly to changing conditions.
With the start of the 2025 wildfire season already underway, it’s crucial for everyone—government officials, emergency responders, and individuals alike—to stay vigilant. Communities must continue to invest in prevention and preparation, while governments need to increase support for fire management systems, reforestation efforts, and climate resilience initiatives. Organizations and individuals should prepare “go bags” or a collection of essential items including, government-issued identification, medications, nonperishable food, water, and flashlights in the event of fast-moving fires and evacuation orders.
As the wildfire season heats up, the hope is that through collective action and continued investment in firefighting technology and prevention measures, North America can better manage the growing threat of wildfires in the years to come. Organizations and individuals residing or operating in areas prone to wildfire activity should consider contacting RMS International’s Intelligence Services for custom enhanced security measures and customized threat assessments in order to mitigate risk.
About RMS International:
Founded in 2012, RMS International provides ad hoc and contracted close protection, estate security, international travel management, corporate executive protection, personnel and asset security, and discreet investigative services. Operating a state-of-the-art Risk Operations Center in West Palm Beach, they provide 24/7 overwatch of global operations in Asia, Europe, Africa and throughout the Americas. RMS International delivers peace of mind in a chaotic world. Connect with us at RMSIUSA.com
