Human activity is playing a much larger role in Arctic fires than previously recognised, according to new international research led by the University of Zurich. Arctic fires were significantly more common near developed areasThe analysis revealed a clear spatial relationship between human activity and wildfire occurrence. Areas illuminated by artificial night-time lighting experienced Arctic fires around 2.5 times more often than nearby unlit regions with similar climatic conditions. Growing risks for Arctic communities and ecosystemsThe consequences of Arctic fires extend well beyond burned vegetation. Arctic fires have global consequencesThe effects of Arctic fires are not confined to northern regions.