Lightning-caused wildfires burn the most area in Canada, and could be more common as the climate warms
Human-caused fires are on the decline, but experts are concerned lightning-caused fires could become more common and lead to larger wildfires as the climate warms.
![Lightning-caused wildfires burn the most area in Canada, and could be more common as the climate warms](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7219682.1717094222!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/how-wildfires-start-digital-image-1.jpg?#)
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7219682.1717094222!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/how-wildfires-start-digital-image-1.jpg)
![The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this view of smoke billowing from the fires on June 3, 2023. Shortly after the fires started, about 5,000 residents were ordered to evacuate near the city of Sept-Îles. As the fires grew, evacuations were extended to an additional 9,000 people in surrounding communities and in western Quebec’s Val-d’Or and Normétal municipalities. Smoke visible in satellite image of Quebec](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7219682.1717094222!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/how-wildfires-start-digital-image-1.jpg)
Human-caused fires are on the decline, but experts are concerned lightning-caused fires could become more common and lead to larger wildfires as the climate warms.