Co‐Occurring Flash and Standard Droughts Amplify Global Fire Behavior

Abstract Flash droughts, rapid‐onset dry spells intensified by heat and low humidity, are increasing under climate warming, yet their influence on wildfire behavior remains poorly understood. Using global drought and satellite‐based fire data sets (2002–2021), we assess how flash droughts impact fire characteristics as compared to standard droughts. Fires were classified into four groups: (a) fire occurrence during a baseline condition; (b) fire occurrence during flash droughts; (c) fire occurrence during standard droughts; and (d) fire occurrences following combined drought sequences where flash droughts either preceded or overlapped standard droughts before fire onset. Across regions and fire metrics, combined drought conditions consistently produce faster‐spreading, longer‐lasting, and larger fires. Statistical analyses confirm that these differences are robust, with the most extreme events occurring under combined drought conditions, underscoring the importance of accounting for rapidly evolving drought dynamics in fire risk assessment and climate adaptation strategies.