How this invasive tree made wildfires worse

In Galicia, Spain, vast eucalyptus plantations - once seen as a fast, profitable resource for paper and timber - are now driving rising wildfire risk. The highly flammable trees burn hotter and spread fires faster, while also depleting water and outcompeting native species. Poor management and rapid expansion have worsened the problem, prompting local communities to remove eucalyptus and restore safer, more diverse forests.