Ancient trees need fire to reproduce, but wildfires are killing them
A study published in Fire Ecology reveals that 17% of mature giant sequoias have been destroyed by wildfires since 2015. Researchers warn that extreme fire intensity is now outpacing the species' natural ability to regenerate.
Why it matters
It highlights the existential threat climate-driven megafires pose to iconic, ancient ecosystems that are otherwise adapted to fire.
A new scientific study has revealed the current state of California's giant sequoia range, revealing the alarming extent of damage that has been caused to them by extreme wildfires over the last decade. A study published in the journal Fire Ecology on March 27, 2026, revealed that approximately 17% of all mature giant sequoias have been killed by wildfire since 2015 with most loss occurring in the megafires of 2020 and 2021.Titled 'The State of the Giant Sequoias: Losses, Risks and Opportunities, ' the research from the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition (GSLC) explained that most of the world's remaining giant sequoia groves do not currently meet a high level of resilience to extreme wildfire.
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