In the report presented at the Fifth International Conference on Forest Fires in Sun City, South Africa, FAO urged governments to develop strategies to stop this vicious circle, Prensa Latina news agency reported.
Most forest fires are caused by humans, but also through the influence of drought and wind, said the report titled "Findings and Implications from a Broad Global Assessment of Recent Selected Mega-Fires".
The report is based on the evaluation of such disasters occurring in the US, Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Russia, Botswana, Israel and Greece.
"Mega fires are mainly caused by humans and climate change probably exacerbates them, but now we suspect they may also represent a vicious circle that is speeding up global warming," said Pieter van Lierop, FAO forestry officer.
Published 12 May 2011, 03:23 IST