Only in the last century has fire in the forest been considered “bad.” Though fire is often destructive it is also a catalyst for welcomed and necessary change. Fire changes the composition and density of the forest creating openings for more fire resistant trees and stimulating regeneration. Fire also creates early plant successional stages that benefit many species of wildlife.

Thousands of years of naturally occurring fires created a dynamic balance which provided habitat for hundreds of plants and animals. It is likely most of these species would quickly begin to decline in number and in health and could eventually disappear altogether if fire was completely eliminated from these natural systems.

The powerful, beneficial role of fire has almost disappeared from the ecosystem it once helped create. The inevitable release of energy is postponed and the probability of a devastating wildfire is increased. When extraordinary amounts of fuel are present, a fire’s intensity may increase beyond the beneficial point. Soils can be overheated and root systems damaged. Living tree crowns may be completely destroyed.

Controlling fires by replicating the natural scheme is accomplished with fuel management. In areas where management objectives require reproducing natural communities, the use of prescribed fire is an effective fuel management tool.

Click here for more information on the use and benefits of prescribed fire.