Forest fires, also known as wildfires, are uncontrolled fires that rapidly spread across vegetation and forested areas, fueled by natural factors or human activities. They have been part of the Earth’s ecological processes for millions of years, yet their frequency, intensity, and destructive capacity have grown significantly in recent decades due to changing climatic conditions, population growth, and environmental mismanagement. The study of forest fires is directly linked to the broader understanding of climate change, since global warming has increased the vulnerability of ecosystems to fire and amplified their impacts. To explain forest fires comprehensively, it is essential to analyze both their causes and their consequences, as they not only result in immediate destruction but also create long-term environmental, social, and economic implications. The causes of forest fires are typically divided into two categories: natural and anthropogenic. Natural causes account for a smaller share but are significant in ecological terms. Among the most common natural triggers are lightning strikes, which can ignite dry vegetation and rapidly spread across vast areas. In regions with hot and dry climates, such as Mediterranean countries, western United States, or Australian bushlands, lightning-induced fires are a recurring natural event. Volcanic eruptions also serve as a natural source, where molten lava and hot ash can set surrounding forests ablaze. Moreover, spontaneous combustion of dry leaves and peat layers in extremely arid conditions can start a fire without any direct ignition source. These natural causes are closely linked to climatic conditions such as droughts, prolonged heatwaves, and high wind speeds that make forests more flammable. Human-induced causes are far more prevalent and problematic. Agricultural practices such as slash-and-burn farming remain a major contributor, particularly in tropical regions like the Amazon rainforest and parts of Southeast Asia. Farmers intentionally set fire to clear land for cultivation or grazing, but the fires often spread beyond intended boundaries, causing uncontrolled wildfires. Logging operations, land encroachment, and infrastructure development in forested regions also increase the risk of fire by leaving behind combustible debris. Another critical human cause is negligence, including campfires left unattended, discarded cigarettes, or sparks from machinery. Urban expansion into forested areas, known as the wildland–urban interface, has further intensified human-induced fire risks. Additionally, arson, whether driven by economic motives, conflicts, or intentional destruction, has contributed to devastating fires in several regions. These anthropogenic causes are aggravated by global climate change, which has created hotter and drier conditions, turning forests into tinderboxes. Climate change plays a central role in increasing both natural and human-induced fire hazards. Rising global temperatures have reduced soil and vegetation moisture levels, making forests highly susceptible to ignition.