The Christian Science Monitor

Prescribed fires: Why they’re still trusted despite runaway blaze

The bear clad in a ranger hat and jeans has stood the test of time. Introduced during World War II, Smokey Bear still reminds Americans that “only you” can prevent wildfires, finger-pointing à la Uncle Sam.

But many forest and fire experts see a role for periodically starting a controlled or prescribed burn. Also called “good fire,” these terms refer to regulated burning for land management goals. On private or public land, prescribed fire can be used to enhance the health of ecosystems by burning off buildups of vegetation

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