We Need To Have Fires in our Forests Monica M. Collins 11/07/2004

Prescribed burning is the right way to go! Forests are ripe for fires. Forests are ripe for fires. Along with beautiful grown trees, there is material that readily fuels wildfires; litter, and slash, the debris that’s left from logging. Along with beautiful grown trees, there is material that readily fuels wildfires; litter, and slash, the debris that’s left from logging. Also, nature needs fire; Sequoia trees need fire for seeds to burst; forests need to be cleared to allow sun to reach younger trees. Also, nature needs fire; Sequoia trees need fire for seeds to burst; forests need to be cleared to allow sun to reach younger trees.

Prescribed fires are different than wildfires. Wildfires can grow to monstrous sizes. Wildfires can grow to monstrous sizes. Wildfires can get out of control and difficult to contain. Wildfires can get out of control and difficult to contain. Costs involved are huge. Costs involved are huge. Prescribed fires are controlled, smaller fires. Prescribed fires are controlled, smaller fires. Prescribed burning methods are carefully administrated. Prescribed burning methods are carefully administrated. Costs are often considerably less Costs are often considerably less

Some proof. Here’s a look at fires. Here’s a look at fires.

Costs… Wildfire………….Prescribed fire Equipment. Equipment. Vehicles for fighting the blazes, for transporting out of danger and to medical assistance. Vehicles for fighting the blazes, for transporting out of danger and to medical assistance. Fuel for these vehicles. Fuel for these vehicles. Loss of valuable wood. Loss of valuable wood. Training. Training. Vehicles and equipment on a smaller scale. Vehicles and equipment on a smaller scale. Workers’ time, as controlling fire is time- consuming. Workers’ time, as controlling fire is time- consuming. Loss of wood, but decrease of danger. Loss of wood, but decrease of danger.

Costs… Costs…

Because of wildfires…. Loss of life and property. Loss of life and property. Air and water pollution. There is less damage to air and water quality using prescribed fire. Air and water pollution. There is less damage to air and water quality using prescribed fire. Loss of animal habitat and natural areas. Loss of animal habitat and natural areas.