How can forest fires be helpful in a way?

Forest fires are extremely helpful. Fire has always been a natural part of the landscape. It has only been during the last century that it has become a larger concern. This is due to one single factor. Humans. read more

With our development into North America and population boom, humans have started to combat forest fires in a way they never did before. The reasons made sense, protect homes and valuable resources. Unfortunately there was an unanticipated side effect. Many forests like the ponderosa pine / grasslands, or interior long pole pine need fires to maintain a healthy forest structure. read more

By the way, a stand burning fire such as Yellowstone in 1988 also results in a patchwork mosaic on the landscape of younger forest patches which act to reduce the spread of future wildfires. Without this mosaic of younger forest, which can stop a major wildfire in its tracks, future wildfires are very likely to become bigger and bigger. read more

In order to thrive, this ecosystem, like many others, needed fire. Controlled forest fires can be financially beneficial, too. Prescribed burns are less expensive than mechanical thinning -- the logging of small-diameter trees to reduce tree density and underbrush -- which costs around $28 an acre [source: Eilperin]. read more