A new study published in *Nature* reveals that widespread wildfires swept across continental Europe during the dying days of the Triassic period. These infernos coincided with a mass extinction event affecting both land and sea animals.
The research indicates that vast expanses of ferns were consumed by fire approximately 201.3 million years ago, marking the end of the Triassic and the beginning of the Jurassic periods. The study, published online on July 28, 2026 (doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02333-7), details evidence of these intense wildfires.
The fires occurred during a period of significant environmental upheaval and are linked to massive volcanic eruptions associated with the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea. These eruptions released enormous amounts of greenhouse gases, leading to climate change and ultimately contributing to the mass extinction event. The study highlights how these wildfires played a crucial role in reshaping ecosystems and paving the way for the dominance of dinosaurs in the Jurassic period.
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