The Complex Role of Fire in Ecosystems

Fire has played an important role on Earth for over 350 million years, yet it is often misunderstood and feared by humans. We have developed a complex relationship with fire, using it for fuel and warmth, landscape management and in many other ways over time. But if you think about it, fire is really just a self-sustaining chain reaction: heat breaks apart the hydrogen and carbon atoms in a piece of wood (or any other combustible material) – essentially causing it to burn. The combustion process produces heat and a host of other chemicals including water, carbon dioxide and oxygen that we call smoke. The heat generated in the reaction continues to break apart more fuel and accelerate the oxidation reaction, creating a self-sustaining loop. The result is visible flames, and the cycle repeats until the fuel is used up or the available oxygen is depleted.

In a forest ecosystem, fire clears brush and dead trees that build up on the ground, allowing sunlight to reach the soil and stimulate new growth of seeds and root systems for native species like sagebrush. This process is called nutrient cycling. It’s a vital part of the natural fire cycles that occur on TNC and our partner lands in places like the longleaf pine forests of the Southeast, tallgrass prairies of North America and tropical savannas of Africa.

Fire can also be a powerful tool for wildlife and human safety. It’s a way to clear the brush and leaves that provide shelter for birds, small mammals and other animals. Wildlife can use the openings created by fire to find food and water. Humans can benefit from the increased availability of wildlife and plants in the landscape after fire, as well as from improved timber production and the ability to hunt, farm and live in areas that are less susceptible to wildfire.

TNC’s work with firefighters is helping to balance the effects of human activity and the role that fire plays in the ecosystems on our protected lands. The more we understand and appreciate the complex role of fire in our lives, the better equipped we will be to manage the many benefits it provides.

Whether you are building a campfire or working in the back yard, never leave an unattended fire. If you must, check the daily burning restrictions for your area before ignition. When you do start a fire, be sure to use a cleared area and keep the pile of logs, brush, branches and other combustible materials to a minimum. And make sure to follow the basics of fire safety, such as stopping, dropping and rolling if your clothes catch on fire. It’s the safest way to extinguish a fire and avoid serious injury. In addition, it’s a good idea to create an escape plan for yourself and your family in case of wildfire.