PRESCRIBED FIRE

Prescribed fire is different from a naturally occurring “wildfire.” In a prescribed fire, trained professionals carefully select a target area for administering low-intensity, controlled burns. The purpose of a prescribed fire is to simulate natural fires. Fire is like many other natural processes (think rain or animal migration) and if suppressed or removed from the landscape negatively impacts plant and animal health. A prescribed burn is a safe, calculated method to improve wildlife habitat as while still ensuring that property and people remain out of harm’s way.

Wilderness Workshop supports bringing fire back to the landscape on public lands. Ideally, prescribed fires will occur more regularly on the White River National Forest and BLM lands at the discretion of the two agencies. We support these efforts and help officials by educating the public and communicating with the press about upcoming burns and what the public can expect in each instance.