Controlled Burns: Safely Clearing Forest Hazards and Promoting Regeneration

Controlled burns are intentional fires used to clear forest floors of hazardous materials, scheduled under safe conditions. They decompose vegetation quickly, enriching the soil and allowing sunlight to reach young trees. Some plants, like certain pines, need fire to reproduce. While uncontrolled fires can be destructive, controlled burns rejuvenate forests.

Why do certain pine species require fire to reproduce?

How can man-made fires be both harmful and beneficial to forests?