Forest fire
Fire's Role in the Ecosystem
A Balancing Act
Scientists have studied forests and fires to determine the secret of Nature's success in attaining this necessary balance. They have learned that a "natural" fire results from a certain fuel condition. Some forest types produce and accumulate fuels faster than others; some decompose fuels more readily than others. However, at some point in time, every forest type has fuel of the right quantity and quality for that forest to be "ready" to burn.
In the past, forest fires would benefit the whole forest ecosystem because their frequency and intensity was determined by the system's natural readiness to burn. When there is a departure from the natural fire point, the ultimate, inevitable fire will be more severe. Fed by extraordinary amounts of fuel, a fire's intensity may increase beyond the beneficial point for some parts of the ecosystem. Soils can be overheated and root systems damaged. Living tree crowns, as well as dead needles and branches, may be reduced to ashes.
The Dilemma
Scientists are studying things other than forests and fires - things like population increases, wildlife needs, recreation needs and demands, increased hunting pressures, and a diminishing natural resource base. Obviously, all forest fires cannot be permitted to burn uncontrolled according to the whimsical dictates of lightning strikes or the carelessness of humans. Yet, in attempting to protect these forest values, the powerful role of fire has almost disappeared from the ecosystem it once shaped and created. The inevitable release of natural energy is only postponed-the probability of a devastating wildfire is increased. How, then, can the powerful force of fire be used in a way that cooperates, not conflicts, with nature?
No Simple Solution
Periodic natural fires prevent the heavy buildup of fuel which, when ignited, can harm our forests and ecosystems. Controlling fires in accordance with Nature's scheme must be based on fuel
A Balancing Act
Scientists have studied forests and fires to determine the secret of Nature's success in attaining this necessary balance. They have learned that a "natural" fire results from a certain fuel condition. Some forest types produce and accumulate fuels faster than others; some decompose fuels more readily than others. However, at some point in time, every forest type has fuel of the right quantity and quality for that forest to be "ready" to burn.
In the past, forest fires would benefit the whole forest ecosystem because their frequency and intensity was determined by the system's natural readiness to burn. When there is a departure from the natural fire point, the ultimate, inevitable fire will be more severe. Fed by extraordinary amounts of fuel, a fire's intensity may increase beyond the beneficial point for some parts of the ecosystem. Soils can be overheated and root systems damaged. Living tree crowns, as well as dead needles and branches, may be reduced to ashes.
The Dilemma
Scientists are studying things other than forests and fires - things like population increases, wildlife needs, recreation needs and demands, increased hunting pressures, and a diminishing natural resource base. Obviously, all forest fires cannot be permitted to burn uncontrolled according to the whimsical dictates of lightning strikes or the carelessness of humans. Yet, in attempting to protect these forest values, the powerful role of fire has almost disappeared from the ecosystem it once shaped and created. The inevitable release of natural energy is only postponed-the probability of a devastating wildfire is increased. How, then, can the powerful force of fire be used in a way that cooperates, not conflicts, with nature?
No Simple Solution
Periodic natural fires prevent the heavy buildup of fuel which, when ignited, can harm our forests and ecosystems. Controlling fires in accordance with Nature's scheme must be based on fuel