May 1, 2022

Leo Eigen

9th Grade

Ramaz Upper School

Fire has always been present in nature. Scientists consider it to be one of the most important elements of “forest ecology” – the complex biological relationships that build the basis for forest life. But with the intense rise of destructive wildfires across the West Coast of the United States which threaten homes, communities, and, above all, human life, firefighting agencies have adopted a “zero-tolerance” approach whereby all fire is considered bad. It turns out that excessive fire suppression might not be the answer, and that it might be making the situation worse. In fact, perhaps the best way to ease the issue of wildfires is to turn to an age-old method and fight fire with fire – literally.

The preferred method of wildfire prevention has been changing in the United States over the decades. Pure fire suppression was of foremost priority to the Forest Service during the first half of the 1900s, until researchers began uncovering the importance of at least some fire in natural ecosystems. Soon methodology evolved into a “let-burn” system, which was soon dropped because of the rise in the size and frequency of wildfires. But what led authorities to develop the let-burn system in the first place was the mounting evidence that fire is beyond coincidental in forest life: it is essential. Small, low-burning fires clear old materials in forests and rid the area of old or dead plants. This not only cleanses the area of dried materials and plants, therefore decreasing the risk of a large fire say if a lightning bolt strikes, but it also fosters wildlife diversity in the ages and species of plants. Fires can even be part of the growth of some plants by preparing the soil and spreading seeds for new life to sprout. 

Despite all of the positives, however, wildfires across America’s West Coast grew to become far too large and widespread, and agencies reverted to excessive and perpetual fire suppression to minimize their damage – even only for small and contained fires. This has only exacerbated the situation. The lack of natural fire in forests means that the forest floor is filled with dried leaves, dead plants, and old brush. Changes in temperature and humidity levels onset by climate change provide the perfect situation for fire to flourish – hot temperatures, and dry, arid air. Throughout the West, this has been felt, and wildfires have only grown in their severity and size. 

Once again, we are beginning to realize that it is time to adopt new policies to curb the damage of wildfires. Now, however, authorities have begun making use of “prescribed burns,” whereby areas of the forest are purposely burned to maintain the environment and make use of fire’s many benefits. Prescribed burns have long been used by Native Americans and indigenous peoples, but they were discontinued and even outlawed once European settlers arrived in the area. Now, we are turning to these expert groups to work alongside the Forest Service and local fire agencies to fight wildfires. 

In the aftermath of these premeditated natural disasters, different companies worldwide have taken to using a technological approach to restoring ravaged forests. As an example, the tech company BioCarbon Engineering, based in the U.K., takes a unique approach: they are sending drones to forests after undergoing major fires to plant new seeds, thus allowing trees to be planted at a greater speed and with greater efficacy. 

These drones first must fly over the ravaged area and using an algorithm, make a three-dimensional map of the area, and design a planting strategy - how many seeds can be planted, and where - depending on the forest. Then, "fire drones" use the map to plant trees to supplement those that burned down in either natural or "prescribed" forest fires. 

Prescribed burns are still being incorporated into the playbooks of firefighting groups and authorities, and their use is not yet widespread. But if we are ever to truly get a hold of the issue, maybe we should get in touch with the earth, and start listening to those who have managed for millennia.