What Is It?
Prescribed fires, or also called controlled burns, is a technique used primarily for forest management. However, it can also be used for farming, prairie restoration, and greenhouse gas abatement. The use of prescribed fires under specified weather conditions can help restore health to fire adapted environments. By reducing the excessive and unwanted amounts of bushes, shrubs, and trees, growth of new native vegetation can occur. Prescribed fires also help maintain many plants and animal species whose habitats depend on periodic fires. For an example, deer and other similar wildlife will benefit from prescribed fires because the increased edge effect and browse material it creates.
NOTE: Prescribed Fires are not to be confused with "Back Burning."
NOTE: Prescribed Fires are not to be confused with "Back Burning."
History?
Prescribed fires have a long history dating back to pre-agricultural societies. These societies used fire to maintain both plant and animal life. Studies reveal documents of periodic fires that were ignited by indigenous people native to North America and Australia. During the mid Holocene and the 19th century AD, prescribed fires burned every year between 4.5% and 12% of present-day California's total land. However, these practices were withheld early 20th century when U.S fire policies enacted.