Two Sides of Fire

…. Fire can be destructive.

But it can be beneficial as well…..

Key Points

• What Determines fire Behavior?What Determines fire Behavior?

• What happens in a forest with no change or lack What happens in a forest with no change or lack of fire?of fire?

• Fire kills disease, reduces harmful insect Fire kills disease, reduces harmful insect populations, and returns nutrients to the soil.populations, and returns nutrients to the soil.

• Forests need change to remain healthy.Forests need change to remain healthy.

Fire Dependent SpeciesFire Dependent Species

• Examples are longleaf and ponderosa pineExamples are longleaf and ponderosa pine

• Fire dependent species need fire at regular intervals to Fire dependent species need fire at regular intervals to remain healthy.remain healthy.

• Red cockaded woodpecker in longleaf pine ecosystem.Red cockaded woodpecker in longleaf pine ecosystem.

Controlled Uncontrolled

• Low intensity, surface Low intensity, surface firefire

• Reduces fuel buildupReduces fuel buildup• Increases healthIncreases health• Returns nutrients to Returns nutrients to

soilsoil• Increase habitatIncrease habitat

• High intensityHigh intensity• Can develop into Can develop into

destructive crown firedestructive crown fire• Loss of habitatLoss of habitat• Soil damage & Soil damage &

erosionerosion• Dangerous near Dangerous near

urban interfaceurban interface

Points to Ponder

• Know Fire Triangle

• Fire helps the forest change and renew.

• A forest ecosystem that is not changing is dead or dying.

• The relationship of Native Americans and fire.

Ecosystem Management

• Prescribed burning: low level surface fire designed reduce brush, regenerate and renew the forest.

• Salvage or thinning forest stands: to reduce competition, overcrowding, and to reduce fuel buildup

• Natural prescribed burn: naturally occuring fires that are allowed to burn to accomplish the management objectives of the forest.