Forest Fires: Bad or Beneficial?

By Emily T

Forest Fires are an interesting topic. While often a they are a concern and a discussion about destruction, they can also have benefits. Many of us have heard about wildfires in the western United States due to droughts, and the problems caused by them. Some know the story of “Smokey the Bear”, who was a bear cub rescued after a forest fire was unintentionally set by a human. There is more to forest fires than many people know though.

Forest fires can have a positive effect. Wildfires can be a natural occurrence that benefit the ecosystem. Sometimes forest fires are even set intentionally by firemen and organizations such as the US Forest Service. The reason for this is because there are certain species of trees, such as the Jack Pine in central and eastern northern United States, that rely on forest fires. In order for the ecosystem in the forest to thrive, the trees need to die and then regenerate. Forest fires that are set intentionally are controlled to be smaller fires, and are sometimes called “prescribed burns”. These fires burn the debris on the forest floor, including dead branches, needles, etc., giving room and new, fertile soil for trees to grow in. Setting smaller, controlled fires can also prevent destruction by larger fires. By burning out debris from the forest floor, it is harder for large forest fires to grow and be destructive.

However, there is still debate over whether controlled fires should occur. While many have been successful, there have been instances where the fires got out of hand even when being watched by firemen. In 2012, a prescribed forest fire near Denver, Colorado turned deadly and destroyed over 27 homes. The public was furious, as many people lost their houses, and prescribed burns were suspended from Boulder County for some time after that.

The concern for forest fires goes even further with climate change, especially in the western United States. Fire seasons are becoming longer due to spring runoff occurring earlier, and summer temperatures are heating up faster and lasting longer into fall and causing the climate to become more arid. Dry climates cause more fires, and even make prescribed burns difficult to control. The other concern with climate change is that when storms, including thunderstorms, do occur, they are more severe. A major cause of natural wildfires is lightning, so if there are more severe thunderstorms, there will be more severe lightning to cause wildfires.

What can we do about the negative effects of forest fires?

While we may not be able to prevent destructive fires that occur naturally, everyone can still play a part in reducing forest fires. 9 out of 10 forest fires are caused by humans, and they are not always prescribed burns. A bonfire, a cigarette, or a match can cause a forest fire. Organizations like “Smokey Bear” are working to raise awareness about forest fires and how to prevent them from accidentally occurring.

The following link gives advice on how to be safe with fire while going camping or just by being outdoors:

http://www.smokeybear.com/be-smart-outdoors.asp

The next time you go hiking, camping, or decide to light a fire outdoors, remember to take caution and be safe! Forest fires can be a natural, and even positive occurrence. But when they are destructive, the effects can destroy wildlife and homes.

Sources:
"Colorado Holds Back on Prescribed Burns after Deadly Wildfire." NBC News. N.p., 28 Mar. 2012. Web. 28 Feb. 2016.

"Fighting Fire with Fire - National Geographic Society." Fighting Fire with Fire - National Geographic Society. N.p., 2000. Web. 28 Feb. 2016.

"Forests & Fire | American Forests." American Forests. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2016.

"Smokey Bear - Real Time Wildfire Map." Smokey Bear. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2016.

Staudt, Amanda, and Inkley Doug. "Global Warming and Wildfires - National Wildlife Federation." Global Warming and Wildfires - National Wildlife Federation. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2016.

Images:

"Delaware Forest Service to Hold 19th “Fire Camp” at Redden State Forest on April 26." State of Delaware News. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2016.

"History, Travel, Arts, Science, People, Places | Smithsonian." History, Travel, Arts, Science, People, Places | Smithsonian. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2016.

"How Did Bambi Lead to the Creation of Smokey the Bear?" How Did Bambi Lead to the Creation of Smokey the Bear? N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2016.