The intersection of drought and wildfire creates compound welfare disasters for wildlife, livestock, and companion animals that are increasing in frequency and severity with climate change.
Drought-wildfire compound events cause layered animal welfare harm: direct fire kills those unable to flee; smoke inhalation injures surviving animals; post-fire habitat loss removes food sources for months; and secondary predation risk increases as cover disappears. Animals that survive immediate fires often face weeks of acute welfare challenges before habitats begin recovery. Pre-fire planning — evacuation routes, large animal shelter coordination — and post-fire habitat restoration are both important welfare interventions.