A
policy of
igniting carefully managed fires, as a
natural resource management
tool to reduce
fuel loads, or for
restoration and
maintainence of an
ecosystem.
Many plant species in both forests and prairies have adapted to a natural fire cycle-- some seeds can only germinate after low ground fires have cleared away competing species and enriched the soil. However, when these areas contain people, property, or public scenic or recreation areas, carefully managed fires (prescribed burns) might be preferable to uncontrolled wildfires when it comes to keeping the area healthy.