Forest fires cause extreme devastation in dry areas, but there are many benefits to these
natural hazards. Fires can kill off diseases, eradicate invasive species, and provide rich
soils for agriculture. Even though these raging fires can cause massive destruction to
nearby communities, if they can be kept away from buildings, they can do great things
for the agricultural community and the health of the people nearby.
natural hazards. Fires can kill off diseases, eradicate invasive species, and provide rich
soils for agriculture. Even though these raging fires can cause massive destruction to
nearby communities, if they can be kept away from buildings, they can do great things
for the agricultural community and the health of the people nearby.
Image taken by Spencer McKee August 22, 2018 in Colorado
Forest fires can eradicate dangerous diseases that can affect livestock and the people
living in the area. Fires can kill insects that can wipe out crops. These insects can also
be carrying dangerous diseases such as lyme disease. When an entire population of
insects carrying the disease is wiped out, it is hard for them to establish a new
population (Benefits of Fire).
living in the area. Fires can kill insects that can wipe out crops. These insects can also
be carrying dangerous diseases such as lyme disease. When an entire population of
insects carrying the disease is wiped out, it is hard for them to establish a new
population (Benefits of Fire).
Invasive species can overpopulate forests and infiltrate our communities as we have
seen in recent years with the Spotted Lantern Fly. These types of species have no
native predators and can do a lot of damage to the community. When a forest fire
burns through an area, it can eradicate the invasive species in the area (After the
Forest Fire).
seen in recent years with the Spotted Lantern Fly. These types of species have no
native predators and can do a lot of damage to the community. When a forest fire
burns through an area, it can eradicate the invasive species in the area (After the
Forest Fire).
Rich nutrient soil is needed to produce thriving crops each year. Each time a certain
plant grows, it takes nutrients out of the land. In order to replenish those crops, farmers
will sometimes do routine burning of trees to replenish the soil of needed minerals.
Forest fires do the same thing but it is completely natural. When the trees and brush
burn completely into the soil, all of the nutrients that were inside of the plants are now
incorporated into the soil. The ash also creates a softer soil. This nutrient rich soil is
fantastic for new crops. The environment also takes this routine burn to its advantage.
The soil, now rich with nutrients allows for seeds to sprout. Older trees burnt down
allowing for sun to reach the ground and germination of new trees and ground
cover to occur. This is a fantastic opportunity for forests to restart and grow lush and
green again. These forests are usually a huge tourist attraction and great sites for
camping and hiking (Impact of Fire).
plant grows, it takes nutrients out of the land. In order to replenish those crops, farmers
will sometimes do routine burning of trees to replenish the soil of needed minerals.
Forest fires do the same thing but it is completely natural. When the trees and brush
burn completely into the soil, all of the nutrients that were inside of the plants are now
incorporated into the soil. The ash also creates a softer soil. This nutrient rich soil is
fantastic for new crops. The environment also takes this routine burn to its advantage.
The soil, now rich with nutrients allows for seeds to sprout. Older trees burnt down
allowing for sun to reach the ground and germination of new trees and ground
cover to occur. This is a fantastic opportunity for forests to restart and grow lush and
green again. These forests are usually a huge tourist attraction and great sites for
camping and hiking (Impact of Fire).
Forest fires are an incredible feat but they are incredibly beneficial to humans and
the environment alike. They create incredible advances for agricultural opportunity
and can help the forest populations thrive in order to create a great tourist site.
https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/how-forest-fire-benefit-
living-things-2.htm
living-things-2.htm
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/content/archive/agriculture-today-stories/ag-today-archives/
agriculture_today_february_2006/2006-002/columns/impact_of_fire_on_soil_life_and_
nutrients
agriculture_today_february_2006/2006-002/columns/impact_of_fire_on_soil_life_and_
nutrients
https://educationphotos.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/Ferns-after-fire/G0000KVp4nE
W9.sk/I0000igrGuWlMxGk
W9.sk/I0000igrGuWlMxGk
