Prescribed fire is an important tool for land management and it has been used for centuries to manage land and its resources. Prescribed fire, often referred to as controlled burning, is a type of fire strategically planned to reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires, to improve the environment, and improve human health. In many parts of the world controlled burns are used to manage overgrazing, reduce fuel loads, remove invasive species, promote the growth of native vegetation, and allow for a greater diversity of species through improved habitat.
In the 2003 publication, “Economics and prescribed fire law in the United States” Jonathan Yoder, Marcia Tilley, David Engle, and Samuel Fuhlendorf concluded prescribed burning is an effective tool for managing and restoring the natural environment. Prescribed Fire has become increasingly popular in the United States over recent years due to their numerous benefits. The presence of too much fuel in an area can be dangerous, as it can cause uncontrolled and intense fires. Controlled burning reduces the amount of fuel and helps to keep fires from growing out of control. Additionally, controlled burns can help to improve air quality by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the air and can help to improve soil fertility by releasing nutrients into the soil. All of these benefits help to make controlled burning an important tool for managing natural resources.
However, there are several challenges and risks associated with this practice. According to research conducted by Rebecca Miller, Christoper Field and Katherine Mach in their 2020 Nature Sustainability article “Barriers and enablers for prescribed burns for wildfire management in California” the effects of controlled burns depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the area being burned, the weather conditions, and the presence of other vegetation. For example, if the fire is not well-controlled, it can spread to nearby areas, resulting in further damage to the environment. Additionally, controlled burns can also release pollutants into the air, such as particles and other toxins, which can be hazardous to human health. Furthermore, these fires often require the use of large amounts of resources, such as fuel and labor, which can be expensive for local authorities. Therefore, it is important for authorities to carefully consider the potential risks and challenges associated with controlled burns before deciding to use them as a tool for managing certain ecosystems.
Due to the challenges presented, the use of prescribed fire in the United States has been limited. For example, Miller et al. (2020) note the current policy framework has been unable to keep up with the rapid growth of the wildland-urban interface (WUI), which has increased the likelihood of fire disasters. Additionally, the authors point out there are significant gaps in the data needed to accurately inform decision making, as well as a lack of public understanding of the benefits of controlled burns.
The complexity of the legal and institutional frameworks surrounding prescribed fires also presents a challenge, as does the need for interoperability between local and state agencies. Finally, Miller et al. (2020) suggest that the lack of resources and capacity to implement the necessary management measures has hindered the effectiveness of controlled burning. Taken together, these challenges present a formidable obstacle to increased implementation of prescribed fire.
Controlled burning has been a long-standing practice for land management in the United States. John Kupfer, Adam Terando, Peng Gao, Casey Teske, and J. Kevin Hiers sought to assess the potential environmental impacts of prescribed burning in their 2020 study “Climate change projected to reduce prescribed burning opportunities in the south-eastern United States”. The researchers used a multidisciplinary approach to assess the impact of fire and smoke on air quality, water quality, soil health, and plant and animal communities. Their results suggest, while there are ecological benefits to controlled burning, there are also risks to the environment. For instance, smoke production is a major concern, as it can lead to decreased air quality and increased health risks. Additionally, the use of prescribed fire can result in soil erosion, changes in hydrology, and the loss of habitats for certain species. The authors conclude that, while there are potential benefits to using prescribed burning, it is important to consider the environmental risks in order to ensure the success of future management strategies.
Overall, controlled burns are an important tool for land management. They are essential for reducing the risks of more severe fires and ensuring the health of the environment and wildlife. Prescribed fire also promotes the growth of new vegetation and can prevent the spread of deadly diseases. Importantly, the use of controlled burns should be done in the safest manner possible in order to preserve the natural world. With this in mind, land management programs should continue to use prescribed fire as a practical, scientifically-sound way to help protect our natural environment.
