About Us
Why We Burn: The Benefits of Prescribed Burning
Many ecosystems, and many of our native Michigan plant communities, are vitally linked to fire. Healthy prairie, wetland and woodland ecosystems are rich with a diversity of plant and animal life. However, in the absence of fire, many fire-intolerant plant species outcompete the native, fire-adapted plants. As a reult, our natural areas have a tendency to become thickets of shrubs or invasive plants with very little diversity. Fire clears the way for native plants by helping to control these invasive plants and enrich the soil. Fire also encourages forest regeneration, helps with brush management, removes fuels to help encourage wild-fire safety, and supports agricultural needs.
Prescribed burns are conducted in a designated area during appropriate weather conditions and in cooperation with the proper authorities. Trained crews using specialized equipment keep fire under control throughout the process.
Wildfires often do great harm because they are unpredictable and difficult to control, threatening people’s safety and their property. Prescribed burns, on the other hand, are set intentionally and only after considering the safety of people, property and wildlife. In every prescribed fire, safety is the number one priority.