India, July 21 -- A new study suggests Africa's wildfire season has become shorter over the past three decades.

Researchers found the dry season is now starting later, with rainfall arriving at a time when landscapes would normally begin drying out.

Wetter soils and vegetation appear to be reducing fuel dryness, limiting fire ignition and spread.

The findings suggest rainfall timing, not just total rainfall, could improve wildfire prediction and fire management.

Africa's wildfire season has become shorter over the past three decades because rains are arriving later than they used to, a new study suggests.

The continent accounts for about 70 per cent of the world's burned area each year, making it the planet's biggest wildfire hotspot...