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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