‘Megafire’—You May Not Like It, But You Cannot Avoid It

ABSTRACT Aim The term ‘megafire’ is increasingly used to describe large fires worldwide. We proposed a size‐based definition of megafire—fires exceeding 10,000 ha arising from single or multiple related ignition events. A recent perspective in Global Ecology and Biogeography argues against a size‐based definition of megafire and suggest that the term is too emotive for scientific use. We highlight that many scientific terms originate from common terms. These terms are often defined once they enter the scientific lexicon, enhancing both scientific understanding and public communication. We argue that standardised definitions facilitate better prediction, preparation, and management of fire events. Location Worldwide. Time Period 2022–2023. Methods We conducted an updated structured review of the term ‘megafire’ and its use and definition in the peer‐reviewed scientific literature, collating definitions and descriptions and identifying the criteria frequently invoked to define the term. Results We demonstrate an increase in the use of ‘megafire’ in the scientific literature since our original definition in 2022, with many studies adopting the > 10,000 ha size‐based criterion. Main Conclusions We contend that abandoning the term is neither practical, possible, nor beneficial. Instead, consistent usage underpinned by clear definitions is essential. Adopting a clear, size‐based definition of megafire strengthens clarity and comparability across research and management practices globally. Precision in terminology is crucial for advancing research, improving communication, and informing effective fire management and policy.

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Publication Details

Journal
Global Ecology and Biogeography
Published
2025-04-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.70032
Citations
6
Primary Topic
Fire effects on ecosystems
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
6.63
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article

‘Megafire’—You May Not Like It, But You Cannot Avoid It

Tim S. Doherty, Gavin M. Jones, Chris J. Jolly, Juli G. Pausas et al.
6 citations
Global Ecology and Biogeography
Fire effects on ecosystems
6.63
article

‘Megafire’—You May Not Like It, But You Cannot Avoid It

Tim S. Doherty, Gavin M. Jones, Chris J. Jolly, Juli G. Pausas, Grant J. Williamson, Grant D. Linley, Luke T. Kelly, William L. Geary, Andrea Duane, Angie Haslem, Rachael H. Nolan, Michael‐Shawn Fletcher, Euan G. Ritchie, Jodi N. Price, Dolors Armenteras, Claire M. Belcher, Melisa A. Giorgis, Julien Ruffault, Rebecca Bliege Bird, Dale G. Nimmo, Catherine L. Parr, Qianhan Wu, Adrián Regos, Calvin K. F. Lee
article en
6 citations

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim The term ‘megafire’ is increasingly used to describe large fires worldwide. We proposed a size‐based definition of megafire—fires exceeding 10,000 ha arising from single or multiple related ignition events. A recent perspective in Global Ecology and Biogeography argues against a size‐based definition of megafire and suggest that the term is too emotive for scientific use. We highlight that many scientific terms originate from common terms. These terms are often defined once they enter the scientific lexicon, enhancing both scientific understanding and public communication. We argue that standardised definitions facilitate better prediction, preparation, and management of fire events. Location Worldwide. Time Period 2022–2023. Methods We conducted an updated structured review of the term ‘megafire’ and its use and definition in the peer‐reviewed scientific literature, collating definitions and descriptions and identifying the criteria frequently invoked to define the term. Results We demonstrate an increase in the use of ‘megafire’ in the scientific literature since our original definition in 2022, with many studies adopting the > 10,000 ha size‐based criterion. Main Conclusions We contend that abandoning the term is neither practical, possible, nor beneficial. Instead, consistent usage underpinned by clear definitions is essential. Adopting a clear, size‐based definition of megafire strengthens clarity and comparability across research and management practices globally. Precision in terminology is crucial for advancing research, improving communication, and informing effective fire management and policy.

Global Ecology and BiogeographyVol. 34(4)
University of Tasmania (AU), Pennsylvania State University (US), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ES), University of Liverpool (GB), Deakin University (AU), Charles Sturt University (AU), The University of Melbourne (AU), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (AR), University of New Mexico (US), Universidade do Porto (PT), University of the Witwatersrand (ZA), La Trobe University (AU), University of Exeter (GB), Natural Hazards Research Australia (AU), Charles Darwin University (AU), Universidad Nacional de Colombia (CO), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (FR), Misión Biológica de Galicia (ES), Centre d'Investigacions sobre Desertificació (ES), Écologie des Forêts Méditerranéennes (FR), Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia (ES), Rocky Mountain Research Station (US), Rocky Mountain Research (United States) (US), Ecosystem Sciences (AU), Western Sydney University (AU), University of Pretoria (ZA), University of California, Davis (US), University of Hong Kong (HK), Macquarie University (AU)
Openalex Percentile: Top 3%
Fire effects on ecosystems
6.63
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
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