Actually, Fires in some forests are a good thing for the stand. As in oak stands. Fires in softwood forest are a bad thing.
But, having said that, forest fires are one of the biggest polluters on the planet right behind volcanos.
A fire in the perma frost region and the result is a constant release of carbon from the ground for years after the initial release. Millions of acres are left to burn out each year in those areas worldwide.
Yet they wont let us log to prevent these fires.
I got about 50 year experience in the forest products industry and the number one preventor of sustainable forest practices are the watermellons.
Think of this. 20% of the gross reciepts from federal timber sale bids are to go to local schools in the area. How many schools could use this money in those poor areas?
what?
Watermellons!?