Fire Regime

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Stones River National Battlefield is a landscape with a history of fire that started long before the Civil War.

 

 

Prescribed fire at Stones River National Battlefield in 2024.

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What is Prescribed Fire?

A prescribed fire is a planned fire that is used as a tool to maintain natural and historic landscapes. Fire experts identify objectives, weather conditions, and safety considerations to apply fire as treatment for an ecosystem. Stones River National Battlefield uses prescribed fire practices to preserve both ecological and historical significance for future generations.

 

Anderson, 2020

Fire as a Natural Process

Fire is a force of nature, but it is not always destructive. In fact, fire is one of many elements that may contribute to a healthy ecosystem. Naturally occurring fire was once common in Tennessee and would be a familiar occurrence for the native plant and animal species.

For thousands of years, wildland fires shaped life in this region. The grasslands and limestone cedar glades found in the park are home to many native species that have adapted to thrive in an environment enriched by fire. This is called fire resilience.

For a period of time, the natural process of fire was misunderstood. Devastating fires across the country fueled fear and wildland firefighters worked to suppress wildfires.

Over the last several decades, the National Park Service has worked to gain a better understanding of how restoring fire to its natural role can sustain healthy and diverse ecosystems.

Stones River National Battlefield uses prescribed fires as a natural force to assist in managing the park's unique cultural and natural resources.

 

Anderson, 2020

Why Prescribed Fire Matters

Fire acts as a reset button. The landscape builds strength and resilience through each carefully managed burn.

Benefits of prescribed fire:

• Reduces fire hazard

  • Removes buildup of leaf litter, brush, and debris that can fuel more dangerous, unplanned wildfires.

• Invasive species management

  • Reduces nonnative species that are not adapted to the natural landscape.

• Supports native species

  • Opens heavily shaded areas to allow more sunlight for new growth, giving native species a new opportunity for growth.

• Returns nutrients to the soil

  • Deposits carbon-rich ash and organic material into the soil, boosting nutrients needed for growth.

• Restores balance

  • Acts as a natural reset button, renewing the landscape once again.

 

A prescribed fire on the battlefield in February 2024.

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Fire on the Battlefield

Stones River battlefield looks different today from how it appeared during the Civil War. Without fire, the open grasslands and cedar glades in the park can become crowded with shrubs and trees. Forested areas have grown more dense with an understory dominated by invasive plants that out perform native species.

Through prescribed fire, the park can restore portions of the battlefield to better resemble the hisorical landscape.

Primary goals of prescribed fire at Stones River National Battlefield:

• Restore the landscape to be more representative of the Civil War era

• Maintain open grasslands and limestone cedar glades

• Provide habitat for native species

• Reduce the risk of wildfire in an urban area

 

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Planning and Safety

Prescribed fire requires careful planning to identify goals and ensure safety. Fire specialists develop detailed, written plans to identify target fire management strategies and future ecosystem objectives. It is also important to recognize challenges and address any safety issues that could arise.

For example, challenges and safety considerations of prescribed fire at Stones River National Battlefield may include:

• Air quality and reduced visibility in surrounding areas due to smoke

• Minimizing impact on other resources

• Public awareness

Weather and Climate Conditions

Fire specialists closely monitor local weather and climate conditions in the days leading up to a scheduled prescribed fire. Before igniting a prescribed fire, experts will assess wind speed and direction, humidity, soil conditions, recent rainfall, temperature, and ongoing weather patterns. On the scheduled day of the prescribed fire, experienced burn crews will conduct a test fire to make a final decision on whether or not it is safe to move forward with the prescribed fire.

 

Anderson, 2020

 

O'Toole, 2020