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Fire, often viewed as a destructive force, can also be used as a powerful natural tool for managing ecosystems. At Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, we use prescribed fire - carefully planned controlled burns – because it plays a critical role in reducing hazardous fuels and improving habitats for wildlife. It can also help keep our neighbors safe by reducing the potential for larger wildfires.
As our firefighter crews are out on the landscape conducting these low-intensity, controlled burns, you will likely see related smoke. A key aspect of prescribed fire is smoke management. While some smoke is inevitable, refuge fire managers use advanced planning to minimize its impact on nearby communities and sensitive areas. They carefully select burn days based on wind direction, humidity and atmospheric conditions to ensure that smoke disperses safely. Smoke models and weather forecasts help predict and track smoke movement, allowing crews to adjust tactics or delay burns if conditions are unfavorable.
Our burn plans also include public notification and coordination with local air quality agencies to protect human health, especially for individuals with respiratory sensitivities. In some cases, ignition patterns are designed to reduce smoke production or limit it to shorter durations.
The benefits of fire
Decades of fire suppression across North America have led to an unnatural buildup of dead vegetation, brush, and small trees – materials that fuel large, severe wildfires. Prescribed burns are conducted under specific weather and conditions to safely reduce these fuels. This helps prevent catastrophic wildfires and restores the natural fire cycles that many ecosystems depend on.
The ecological benefits are significant. In grasslands and open forests, fire removes invasive shrubs and allows sunlight to reach the ground, encouraging the growth of native grasses and wildflowers. This creates vital habitat for species like grouse, deer, wild turkeys and pollinators. In wetlands, prescribed fire can rejuvenate native marsh plants, benefiting waterfowl and amphibians.
By using prescribed fire, the bet365ios enhances habitat, reduces the risk of dangerous wildfires, and supports healthy, resilient ecosystems. With thoughtful planning and effective smoke management, fire becomes not a threat, but a vital tool for conservation and safety across national wildlife refuges. If you have questions about how we use prescribed fire, please reach out to our team.
Learn more about Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge.
