It
is widely known that fires are a part of the life cycle of forests. The media makes forest fires seem as though
they are only destructive, but there are benefits, as well, such as thinning
out forests that may be too crowded. Some
species of trees even rely on wildfires to help them reproduce. There are
obviously more benefits when the conditions of the period of time after the
fire are optimal for growing, but when the conditions after the fire are not
preferable, the results can be devastating. When the conditions are bad after a
fire, for example, when there is a drought, the forests grow back much slower. Also,
high frequency and intensity of fires may contribute to the stunted regrowth of
fires.
Researchers
have considered putting back into effect vigorous fire suppression policies
that were mandated in 1988 and have come to the conclusion that it is a bad
idea, because the fire suppression policy only contributes to overgrowth and
the possibility of extreme wildfires.
I
feel that the fires should be let go when they’re not harming human life or
property, and that there’s nothing we can really do/ need to do when they’re
very large and only affecting nature.
http://www.nbcnews.com/science/will-forests-flourish-after-fires-warming-world-not-always-6C10534178
Hannah, I completely agree that forest fires should be left to burn when no human life is in danger; however, I feel there should be organizations responsible for making sure that the forest does grow back after the fire. These organizations could help make sure tree seedlings are planted and could water the trees in case of a drought. This would ensure that the forest is able to grow back.
ReplyDeleteI also agree Hannah; if the fire poses no threat to people we should definitely let it burn. Often times people have a negative attitude towards fires because of the way the media portrays them. In reality, however, wildfires are not as bad as they seem and can actually be beneficial. As you had mentioned it could benefit the environment and make it healthier. Some forests get so overgrown that they even become inhabitable for the wildlife that once lived there. Not putting out every little wildfire would save money as well. The resources needed to put out and prevent wildfires like anything can be very costly. Like David said, it would be nice if there was organizations that could watch after the burned forests to make sure they properly regrow.
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