For generations, we have lived by Smoky the Bear’s mantra “Only you can prevent forest fires.” Not only did we get very good at reducing fires caused by humans, we became very good at putting out natural occurring wild fires, as well. This seemed like common sense; we have homes and resources to protect. Yet, we are now finding out that natural, frequent wildfires are needed to keep our forest healthy.
Small wildfires burn up fallen logs and debris, keeping large, destructive fires at bay while the ash provides important nutrients for the poor, rocky soil. Small wildfires also clear out old long-living, slow-growing species which allows space for short-living, quick-growing species. This is important because it generates a forest with a high diversity of trees and shrubs, therefore, making it less prone to pest. By not letting forest fires burn, we let our forest become choked with pine trees. Over the last decade, our climate has warmed. Without long deep freezes during the winter, pine beetles have easily infested our predominantly pine forest. Hence, large swaths of our forests have died.
Large areas of dead fallen trees combined with drought conditions in past 15 years have lead to several devastating forest fires. Whole neighborhoods have burned down and lives have been lost. Forested communities in Colorado want to protect themselves from large fires in the future. One way is by clear-cutting a wide line of forest around populated areas. This is done to create a fire break which allows fire fighters to stop a fire from bearing down on the town.
