Recent wildfires in the United States have destroyed important historic landmarks. In early 2025, the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles burned the Will Rogers Ranch House. Six months later, another fire destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge. These losses show that fires threaten American history.
A new research study examined over 100,000 historic sites across the country. Researchers found that more than half of these places face wildfire risks. The threat is highest in western states like California, New Mexico, and Colorado. National landmarks face a very high risk compared to local sites.
Most states do not include historic places in their fire safety plans. Experts suggest clearing plants around buildings to protect them. These actions can help save cultural history for the future.
Difficult words
- landmark — a building or place that is important in historylandmarks
- threaten — to be likely to cause damage or harm to something
- research — the detailed study of something to discover new information
- risk — the possibility that something dangerous or bad will happenrisks
- protect — to keep someone or something safe from harm or damage
- expert — a person who has special knowledge about a subjectExperts
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Discussion questions
- Why is it important to protect historic landmarks?
- How can people help protect historic places in their own communities?