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 of fire?What happens in a forest with no change or lack of fire? Fire kills disease, reduces harmful insect populations, and returns nutrients to the soil.Fire kills disease, reduces harmful insect populations, and returns nutrients to the soil. Forests need change to remain healthy.Forests need change to remain healthy.

Fire Dependent Species Examples are longleaf and ponderosa pineExamples are longleaf and ponderosa pine Fire dependent species need fire at regular intervals to remain healthy.Fire dependent species need fire at regular intervals to remain healthy. Red cockaded woodpecker in longleaf pine ecosystem.Red cockaded woodpecker in longleaf pine ecosystem.

Controlled Uncontrolled Low intensity, surface fireLow intensity, surface fire Reduces fuel buildupReduces fuel buildup Increases healthIncreases health Returns nutrients to soilReturns nutrients to soil Increase habitatIncrease habitat High intensityHigh intensity Can develop into destructive crown fireCan develop into destructive crown fire Loss of habitatLoss of habitat Soil damage & erosionSoil damage & erosion Dangerous near urban interfaceDangerous near urban 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.