Wildfires are caused by a combination of fuel buildup, hot and dry weather conditions, and ignition sources. However, most fires do not spread. To make valid predictions about wildfires and climate change, we need long-term data, improved climate and vegetation models that can accurately predict past fire patterns, and an understanding of how human factors like population and fire suppression impact fire activity. Current global wildfire records and models still have significant limitations. While charcoal records show links between past fire activity, biomass burning, methane levels and temperature, recent studies have found downward trends in some fire-prone regions. Improving data and models as well as identifying new mechanisms can help advance our understanding of wildfire and climate interactions.