The wildfires that ravaged states in the Western United States in 2003 and 2004 could be harbingers of the future with climate change. Scientists at the US Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have concluded that, even under the best case assumptions, climate change is likely to increase risk of wildfires in California, increasing rate of ignition, the rate of spread and the length of the fire season.

California now spends about $300 million a year on fire suppression; researchers estimate this may rise 50% or more under doubled carbon dioxide conditions.

USGS: Atlas of Climatic Controls of Wildfire in the Western United States

Western wildfires linked to variations in climate

Alaska Wildfires

California panel predicts big jump in cost of fighting wildfires

Global Climate Change: Ill Wind for California Wildfires

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Climate effect changes elsewhere in North America

Climate effect changes in other regions:
Latin America
Europe
Middle East
Sub Saharan Africa
Asia
Oceania
Polar Regions