Prescribed Burning Research Paper

Thousands upon thousands of acres are lost in forest fires every year. There are so many horrible effects from fires and most of them affect so many people. Studies have shown that out of all of the different methods to decrease fire damage, prescribed burns are the most effective. Prevention is the key to society these days and is definitely an important factor in saving lives. Reduction of fuels, prevention of vegetative communities, and improvement of wildlife habitat are happening because of controlled burns.
Arson, human carelessness, and lightning will inevitably ignite wildfires. If fuel loads (dead vegetation, pine needles, and brush) are high, these fires can develop into intense fires that damage forest resources and property. Regular prescribed burning removes accumulated fuels, thereby reducing the risk of intense wildfires. Prescribed burning is conducted when weather conditions favor a controllable fire. In contrast, wildfires usually occur when conditions …show more content…
Shrubs and herbaceous plants experience a new growth following a fire. Many of the beneficial insects consumed by birds are more abundant following a fire. Fires promote flowers, seeds and fruit production, which increases food for wildlife. Vegetative structure is an overlooked, but important component of habitat for wildlife and can be enhanced by prescribed burning. For many species of wildlife, periodic prescribed fire is crucial to their maintenance of their habitat.
Some people say, prescribed fires set near towns can send smoke into population centers and aggravate asthma sufferers’ symptoms; however, wildfires would ultimately cause more smoke because of the severity of them. Other people say, uncontrolled prescribed fires can leave the prescribed area and turn into a wildfire, but that would not be likely if the agency did it carefully and had a good emergency burn