Winter Wildfires: An Emerging Threat to Urban Sustainability and Resilience

Winter wildfires, historically rare, are becoming an increasing concern in urban areas like Los Angeles as climate change alters environmental risks. These events disrupt ecosystems and threaten the social, economic, and environmental fabric of cities. This short communication examines the emerging risks of winter wildfires, focusing on their impacts on urban sustainability, environmental resilience, and social equity. We highlight consequences for infrastructure, public health, and governance, offering recommendations for integrating wildfire preparedness into urban sustainability frameworks. Urban planning, community resilience, and climate adaptation must evolve to address this growing threat in alignment with global sustainability frameworks.