Wildfires in Iowa? Here are The Counties Most at Risk

Eastern Iowa has had plenty of experience with wildfire smoke this summer. But that smoke and haze have come from other states, and even another country, Canada. But what if that wildfire smoke was coming from a blaze in Iowa? As unlikely as it seems, experts say wildfires in Iowa are an overlooked threat.

The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that the Iowa Environmental Council published an interactive map in February that looked at 45 different threats to Iowans in the coming years. Of all the risks, Iowa's potential for wildfires jumped out.

Which Iowa Counties Face the Highest Risk of Wildfires?

The Gazette reports that several areas in Iowa had a much higher risk for wildfires than anyone thought. A portion of Woodbury County in western Iowa has a wildfire risk in the 92nd percentile. Areas that score above 91% are considered to "very high risk" according to the Gazette.

In Eastern Iowa, Tama County, between the cities of Tama and Toledo, ranked in the 85th and 87th percentile for wildfire risk according to the Gazette. Belle Plaine in Benton County ranked in the 89th percentile. A percentile between 70 and 90 is considered to be "high".

READ MORE: Looking Back at the 2020 Derecho

What is Behind Iowa's Wildfire Risk?

It shouldn't surprise Iowans what is driving this increased risk of wildfires. Drought conditions. The Gazette reports that Iowa experienced its worst drought in more than 60 years between 2020 and 2024. When things dry out, there is an increased risk of fire. Couple that with potentially strong Iowa winds, and you have an increased wildfire risk.

Fortunately, as of today, Iowa has no reported drought conditions, according to the Gazette.