Nature's Cleansing Force

While fire may not be a good thing for most human habitats, some natural habitats rely on regular fires for their well-being. Where fires occur on a regular basis, the dried plant materials do not get a chance to accumulate and the fire burns itself out relatively quickly. Some plants have adapted to this by establishing deep roots which can survive the burnout. In fact, the Jack Pine depends on regular fires for its continued wellbeing.

Small animals are also able to wait out the fire below ground.

However, man has prevented fires in some areas which are prone to regular burns. This means that flamable material accumulates, so that if a fire actually occurs, the fire will burn longer and hotter and could wipe out a plant or animal species which has adapted to be able to survive the regular natural pattern of fires.

Forest fire Source: NOAA

Regular fires are necessary for certain types of habitats to survive. For example, some open field areas became shrublands once humans eliminated the regular fires which favoured grasses over trees and bushes.

Even in predominantly forested areas, fire creates opportunities for pioneer species which colonize new clearings. Over time, these clearing will again be replaced by mature forests. This process of turnover and transition is known as succession.

Fire Links

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