The Purpose of Controlled Burning in Forests

The media seems to report only on the latest out-of-control, devastating wildfires sweeping through California. However, the key phrase there is “out-of-control.” The fact of the matter is that controlled forest fires, which trained professionals handle, are actually good things. If you’re now wondering what the purpose of controlled burning in forests is, you’ve come to the right place. Not all forest fires are necessarily bad things.

They Give Life to Forests

This might sound a bit contradictory, but setting controlled fires can rejuvenate a dying forest. Most types of vegetation take years to decompose fully. However, setting a dying section of forest on fire speeds up the decomposition process. Plus, it removes all the dead trees preventing precious sunlight from reaching the new ones trying to grow. Sometimes, the best course of action is to take out the old to make way for the new.

They Reduce Invasive Species

If you’re well-versed in the world of nature, then you already know how destructive an invasive plant or insect can be to an ecosystem. Burning it all isn’t always the first course of action for fixing the problem, but it’s quite effective when necessary. Due to its efficiency, professionals use this method when the invasive species won’t leave willingly, but they do so only after no other options have worked.

They Prevent and Stop Other Wildfires

Probably the most common purpose of controlled burning in forests is to prevent wildfires from occurring or getting out of control. In a wooded area that contains a high amount of dead leaves, tree limbs, and other forms of vegetation, it won’t take much for a spark to set it all ablaze. However, if a group of professional wildland firefighters gets to it first, they can set the area aflame in a way they can easily control.

However, if they’re too late and a fire starts naturally, firefighters can also use a second controlled fire to extinguish the first one. If they can burn up all the potential fuel for the out-of-control flames, the fire will eventually have nowhere else left to go.

Regardless of the method used, many of the tools that wildland firefighters use are specifically made for controlling flames rather than extinguishing them. With this equipment, firefighters have more control over where the fire goes, ensuring that the uncontrollable flames die out before any real damage happens.