The ongoing conflict in Iran has led to a 50% spike in jet fuel prices, resulting in rising expenses for aerial firefighting efforts just as heightened fire weather conditions arise across several states in the US. Aerial tankers and firefighting helicopters consume vast amounts of fuel per operation, causing financial strain for fire agencies. Specialists caution that the mix of soaring fuel prices, diminished aerial resources, and intensifying fire weather could render 2026 one of the most perilous wildfire seasons in history.
