Do We Need More Low-Intensity Fires? Scientists Say We Do

With many wildfires making national headlines and causing destruction across California in recent times, it might be surprising to hear scientists say that certain fires are actually a positive aspect in our forests. California is known for having a wide variety of wildfires over the years, some of which are far more dangerous than others. For instance, 86 lives were lost and hundreds of people injured in the California Camp Fire that wiped out entire homes and businesses as it caused destruction. On top of that, individuals are still suffering the negative effects of this horrific wildfire and wondering how they can move forward.

Still, science suggests that we need more fires in California. This doesn’t mean that we need destructive, life-threatening fires that take out entire towns. Instead, science suggests that we experience more low-intensity fires across California that clear out the forests that have overgrown over the years so that we can prevent bigger fires that will have more destructive results. However, much is still up in the air about these tactics and so today we will take a look at the information we have on this particular subject.

Fires Are Taken Seriously in California 

Because of events like the California Camp Fire, there is no doubt that wildfires are taken very seriously in California. At the first sign of smoke, firefighters and aircrafts will be sent out so that they can prevent the fire from growing and taking lives from the start. Now, the state has grown even more wary as the wildfires that take place seem to be growing in intensity and becoming more destructive, with the Camp Fire of 2018 being the most destructive and costly wildfire that has been recorded in California. When most wildfires start, if they are found quickly, they are almost always put out from the beginning so that they do not grow even more intense.

Now, fire ecologists and other related scientists are finding that our approach is not as we expected. Yes, it has been concluded over the years that preventing wildfires and stopping them in their tracks is the best course of action to protect homes and individuals. However, the short-sighted take on fighting the smallest wildfires can actually be dangerous, believe it or not.

Big wildfires that carry destruction in their wake might actually be a result of us putting an end to smaller fires over time across California forests. For the fires that are naturally-occurring, science suggests that we leave them alone to do a job that we are unable to do ourselves when it comes to wildfire prevention tactics. For instance, let’s take a closer look at the Lions Fire, which started when lightning suddenly struck a ridge of trees just south of the Yosemite National Park. This, unlike 84% of wildfires, was caused by nature instead of humans. The fire was an opportunity for nature to do what it does best.

Now, the Forest Service and scientists are saying that it might be a good idea to let more wildfires burn when they are naturally caused. Wildfires have become a staple in many parts of America and, though the large ones can bring destruction that can tear apart entire towns and cities, forests depend on a certain amount of fire and so this is something that we need to learn.

Are Fires Ever Needed?  

It might be silly and horrendous to think that something so destructive and awful might just be a necessity for our forests after all. The reason why scientists have now concluded that fires should be left to burn on some occasions is the fact they are needed in our ecosystem. Let’s look back at that example of the Lions Fire, for example. After the Lions Fire was cleared and everything was returning to normal once more, investigators and other parties took a closer look and found that the fire was needed at that time. Half of the trees in the area were dead already, which might have contributed to the fire. Beetles had eaten away at the surrounding forest and a windstorm that took place years prior to that had downed many of the trees, which created a jumbled mess and was actually starting to kill parts of the forest. Fires sometimes give an opportunity to restore health to a forest, oddly enough.

This is why, after the fire was under control, the Forest Service made the decision to allow the small fire to continue to burn over an area of 2,000 acres. Instead of fighting the fire, they took charge and managed it to bring about health in the ecosystem when all hope was starting to become lost on the forest. Since then, approximately less than half of one percent of all ignited wildfires have been permitted to burn across California, and the rest have been put out the moment they start.

As vegetation builds over time, we see more and more forests where all control has been lost and nature has taken hold in disturbing ways. Without these fires, we could actually lose more forest areas to the devastating effects of nature itself.

As scientists have said, due to these aspects, we are creating more “megafire” events, such as the Camp Fire in 2018 that took so many lives and caused harm to businesses and structures across much larger spaces than we could have ever imagined. If we could take action to prevent these horrific fires we would do it, wouldn’t we? Unfortunately, as of now, we are not letting more fires burn and so we see more destruction. These acts are preventable.

If You Have Suffered the Effects of the Camp Fire 

As we take a closer look at some of the scientific sides of the Camp Fire and preventing worsened wildfires, we want to remind you that help is on your side if you have fallen victim to one of these serious wildfire events. At Marlene Leiva Law Group, we have helped many victims receive compensation they deserve following a variety of personal injury cases and wrongful death suits. Our experienced attorneys are prepared to help you file a wildfire lawsuit and hold PG&E liable for their negligent acts. Please contact us at 415-459-7300 to find out what we can do for you.