Statistical Analysis of Large Wildfires

Abstract

Large, infrequent wildfires cause dramatic ecological and economic impacts . Consequently, they deserve special attention and analysis . The economic signifi - cance of large fires is indicated by the fact that approximately 94 percent of fire suppression costs on U . S . Forest Service land during the period 1980- 2002 resulted from a mere 1 . 4 percent of the fires (Strategic Issues Panel on Fire Suppression Costs 2004).