Wildfire!

Wildfire!. . , Fire has a number of beneficial effects. It eliminates diseased and dying trees, recycles nutrients back into the soil, and starts the cycle of growth again by allowing sunlight to reach the ground, stimulating the growth of grass. The Forest Service uses prescribed fires to enhance wildlife habitat, increase forage for grazing, improve the health and vigor of the forest, and reduce the chance of wildfires., The burned area on the hillside behind you is the result of a wildfire caused by the careless use of fireworks in the summer of 1984. The Forest Service has chosen not to replant trees as the open area created by the fire is excellent wildlife habitat. While wildfires can have some of the same beneficial effects as prescribed fires, wildfires caused by people or by lightning sometimes can rage out of control, destroying valuable timber, threatening nearby communities or developments, and eventually accelerating erosion.