As another fire season begins across the western U.S., one of the most effective tools for reducing catastrophic wildfire remains underused: controlled burns. Also known as prescribed fires, these carefully planned burns reduce the build-up of dry vegetation—fuel for future wildfires—under monitored conditions. When executed correctly, they can prevent a smoldering forest floor from becoming a catastrophic inferno. Agencies like the U.S. Forest Service once promoted a “put out every fire” approach—an idea that led to the dangerous accumulation of flammable debris across millions of acres. Today’s science finds that fire, when used wisely, is essential and a natural ecological process. Prescribed burns recycle nutrients, reduce fire hazards, restore wildlife habitat, and create natural firebreaks.

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