Use of Fire in Southern Forests

Wildland managers in the South use prescribed burning to reduce dangerous fuels, control understory hardwoods, combat disease, facilitate pine regeneration, and improve wildlife habitat. Burning techniques are highly developed, and prescribed burners believe they can use fire safely and without harmful effects on the environment. One serious problem remains. Burning that leads to smoked-in airports, highways, and towns will no longer be tolerated. Better weather predictions and practical guidelines for smoke management are needed. In the meantime, people doing prescribed burning can themselves avoid most smoke problems through restraint and common sense.