Fire Ecology

Fire is a powerful force in natural systems. There is much to learn about when fires occur, how they behave, and the change they leave behind. Fire ecology is the study of how fire interacts with the environment through which it moves. Fire ecologists study the effect of fire on plants, soils, and processes like nutrient cycling. They track patterns of fire as it moves across the land, and patterns of fire through time.

Land managers sometimes take action to reduce fire risk around buildings or use fire as a tool to restore ecological communities. Fire ecology and related research is critical in guiding those actions. Monitoring can help managers assess whether actions created the desired conditions. For example, whether a building will be easier to protect in the event of a wildfire or whether a fire-adapted plant species is thriving.

 

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  Forest Disturbance

  Fire is a natural disturbance to the ecosystem. Learn more about forest disturbances.

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  Fire Effects

  The effect of fire on the ecosystem.

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  Monitoring and Research

  Discover how Denali researches and keeps an eye on fires

 

More Information:

• Learn more on our Living with Fire page
• Fire Science, Ecology, and Research - Alaska
• Fire Ecology and Research - Wildland Fire Program
• Learning about Fire Ecology Basics
• NPS Regional Fire Ecologists Teach Fire Science to Alaska Educators
• NPS Partners with Project Learning Tree for Fire Ecology Workshop