Electrocuted Birds are Causing Wildfires

A startling but increasingly common occurrence is contributing to wildfires across the United States—electrocuted birds catching fire on power lines. In Colorado alone, this phenomenon has sparked at least three wildfires during the summer. This dangerous pattern has been documented in various areas, shedding light on an unexpected source of destruction.

A study from 2022, led by biologist Taylor Barnes, uncovered that between 2014 and 2018, at least 44 wildfires in the contiguous U.S. were caused by birds being electrocuted by power lines. Birds typically perch safely on electrical wires without risk, but under certain conditions, they can complete an electrical circuit, causing a lethal shock. In some cases, their feathers catch fire, and when they fall to the ground, they can ignite flammable materials, sparking fires.

One such instance occurred in Arapahoe County, Colorado, on July 13, when a bird may have been pecking at insects inside a piece of power equipment, accidentally coming into contact with live electrical components. The resulting blaze destroyed over 1,100 acres and several buildings. Barnes’ research highlights regions like California’s Mediterranean ecoregion, where bird-related ignitions are particularly frequent. The study calls for power infrastructure modifications to help prevent these incidents, especially in fire-prone areas.

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