Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests
Crooked River National Grassland

Fire & Aviation

Fire in the Forest -- Friend or Foe?

Traditionally forest fire management has been one of the key roles the Forest Service has played in its 100-year history. Today, our greater understanding of the natural cycle of fire in the forest and the purpose it serves, is changing the way forests are managed.

Long before Europeans settled in North America, fires were a common part of the landscape. Most were started by lightning, although Native Americans also deliberately set fires to improve hunting or grazing for livestock. Ironically, the crystal clear skies we take for granted over the Cascades were far less common in the past, because of natural fires.

Before this century, fires probably burned in ponderosa pine stands approximately once every 15 years. Under this natural fire cycle, fires had a cleansing effect. These fires seldomly killed the larger ponderosa pine trees, but burned brush and smaller trees before they could create dangerous fuel ladders to spread fire to upper forest canopies.

From 1910 to 1930, major fires occurred on U.S. forests, with great loss to life and property. Widespread government and public concern led to aggressive fire suppression. After 60 years, however, this policy has been given serious review.

In the 1980's, the Forest Service began to notice forest health problems which were partly a result of over-aggressive fire control. Bug infestations and diseases which thrived in the unnaturally dense stands began to spread. Catastrophic wildfires were also a danger, due to the large build-up of fuel.

Here on the Deschutes National Forest, the increasing knowledge of the role of fire has led to many changes in the way forests are managed. Prescribed, or controlled fires are now considered an essential tool in restoring the forest to a healthy condition.

The forest is in a position of having overstocked stands where individual trees aren't getting enough sunlight, moisture, or nutrients. Some of these weakened trees are getting sick and dying, and creating fire hazards. Thinning dense stands and salvaging some of the dead trees, along with prescribed and careful burning in the woods, will become an integral part of the new ecosystem approach to forest management. The use of prescribed fires and thinning to imitate natural cycles must, however, be balanced with the needs of a growing population near forest boundaries, as well as with visitors' needs. Public education and input will be vital in helping set priorities for re-establishing forest health.

Where catastrophic wildfires threaten lives and property, aggressive fire suppression will remain a priority of the Forest Service mission. By careful use of prescribed fires, the risk of catastrophic fire can be reduced, and greater forest health achieved.

USDA Forest Service - Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests
Last Modified: Thursday, 12 June 2003 at 12:46:39 EDT