Why Forest Fire Suppression is Actually Disastrous

During the summer of 1910, the western region of the United States was engulfed in flames. The confluence of scorching temperatures, arid conditions, and gale-force winds fueled the inferno, culminating in a catastrophic firestorm. The conflagration ravaged an expanse of 3 million acres within a mere two days, reducing entire towns to cinders and claiming the lives of nearly 90 individuals. The magnitude of the devastation wrought by the blaze was so profound that it significantly influenced US forest policy for many years to come, particularly for a nascent agency. Following the 1910 conflagration, the US Forest Service shifted its primary focus to fire suppression, which initially proved to be highly effective. For several decades, the majority of accidental and natural forest fires were promptly extinguished.

Last year, we were confronted with the reality that thousands of firefighters were still engaged in battling numerous fires in the western region, resulting in the burning of over 85 thousand acres, marking the worst wildfire season in the state's history. Scientists have come to comprehend that decades of fire suppression have led to the creation of dense forests that are susceptible to catastrophic ignition. One proposed solution, dating back hundreds of years, involves intentionally burning parts of our forests. In 1944, the US Forest Service introduced Smokey the Bear with the aim of educating the public on the perils of forest fires. However, even before this renowned campaign, the federal government had employed thousands of men to construct fire towers and suppress burns.

In 1935, the Forest Service established the "10 AM policy", a regulation stipulating that all fires must be suppressed by 10am the day after they are reported. This approach, which viewed all fires as detrimental, shaped an entire generation's perception of the role of fire in forest ecosystems. This has resulted in a recurring tragedy in American forest areas. However, in the 1960s, scientists began to recognize that this perspective was not entirely accurate. For most of the world, and particularly for forests in the western United States, fire is a natural occurrence that has played a crucial role in their evolution. Lightning strikes and other natural phenomena likely started these fires. The historical record demonstrates that fire is not always a destructive force, but rather an essential component of forest ecology.

The role of fire is of great significance as it effectively eliminates a considerable amount of older and less productive material from the landscape, thereby creating pockets of varying ages of vegetation. This diversity in age also leads to a diversity of species. In numerous locations, fires serve as a "reset button" for the forest, as they remove dead brush and older materials, making way for new growth. For certain species, fire is even essential for reproduction. For instance, low burning fires desiccate sequoia tree cones to the extent that they open and release seeds. Simultaneously, the fire clears the ground, exposing fresh and nutrient-rich soil, which creates ideal conditions for seed germination.

Apart from the ecological advantages, fires also contribute to enhancing a forest's resilience against high severity burns in the future. Controlled burning eliminates the forest floor and lower branches of trees, thereby reducing the availability of fuel for more intense fires. Consequently, the occurrence of such patches throughout the landscape impedes the movement of fire in the area for a considerable period. However, decades of fire suppression have resulted in the accumulation of dry and dead materials in our forests, surpassing the point of allowing all fires to burn. The forest has evolved with fire, but the absence of it has led to an accumulation of excess fuel. Furthermore, climate change has exacerbated these extreme conditions.

There exists no facile means to reset a century of oppression or a changing climate. Consequently, in order to better acclimate to an increasingly arid and warm future, some individuals are resorting to a time-honored tradition. Indigenous communities have long recognized the significance of fire and, for thousands of years prior to colonization, deliberately set ablaze sections of forests. Our forefathers have a history of burning our hunting grounds, while our foremothers would burn to rejuvenate their food gathering sites. Thus, burning is a fundamental tool that we, as indigenous people, employ to maintain the health of our environment. However, colonizers began imposing stringent laws against burning as early as 1850, thereby criminalizing this longstanding practice.

Following the 1910 conflagration, regulations pertaining to burning were further reinforced, with severe consequences including the potential for indigenous individuals to be subjected to gunfire for engaging in such activities. Presently, we are turning to these communities to guide us in the implementation of prescribed or controlled burns, which draw upon their cultural practices. The controlled fires that are initiated in this manner progress gradually across the forest floor, effectively eliminating accumulated dead matter. In the event of a shift in wind direction or an increase in fire intensity, a trained crew is promptly dispatched to contain and extinguish the flames. Every aspect of our daily routine is meticulously orchestrated.

In the years 2020 and 2021, legislators proposed bills aimed at increasing the implementation of controlled burning practices throughout the United States. While this is a positive step, it alone will not suffice. Recent data indicates that wildfires are progressively becoming larger and more destructive with each passing year. The Smokey the Bear campaign was not misguided in teaching us to exercise caution with fire. Presently, research demonstrates that human negligence, such as the careless disposal of cigarettes, campfires, and even arson, is responsible for over 85% of catastrophic wildfires. The implementation of more controlled burns could potentially mitigate these risks. However, it is imperative that we acknowledge that fire is a natural component of the environment in which we reside, and that climate change will only exacerbate this issue. Consequently, it is necessary to construct resilient communities and enact legislation that mandates the use of fire-resistant materials in high-risk areas, while also providing comprehensive education on fire safety to the public.