Free Republic

In early May, flames began to spread through a pine forest, consuming a dense carpet of leaves and underbrush. The burn was the definition of a "good fire," intentionally ignited to clear vegetation that could fuel future infernos. It happened in the state leading the nation in controlled burns: Florida. As Western states contend with increasingly catastrophic wildfires, some are looking to the Southeastern U.S., where prescribed fire is widespread thanks to policies put in place decades ago. From 1998 to 2018, 70% of all controlled burning in the country was in the Southeast. While a continent apart, both regions...

California state parks have announced prescribed burns for Wilder Ranch State Park starting Nov.25 through Sunday, Dec. 3, depending on conditions. Some trails will be closed temporarily for public safety, including portions of the Eucalyptus Loop, Old Cabin and Long Meadow Trail. According to park officials, the burn will be for vegetation management, hazardous fuel load reduction, wildlife habitat improvement and other ecological benefits. Officials say the prescribed burn will enhance the health of the forest by removing duff, leaf litter and fuel buildup and restore essential nutrients to the soil and reduce the chance of wildfires. The burns will...