As the summer season approaches and the weather turns hotter, wildfires are a real threat. And though global wildfires may seem destructive as they rapidly sweep through an area, it is important to recognize that many global wildfires, when handled properly, actually are integral to the world’s ecosystem.
Overview of Our Ecosystem
In the simplest terms, an ecosystem is a living community. In reality it is a complex set of relationships between the resources, habitat, and inhabitants of an area. This includes everything from flora and fauna to microorganisms and the soil they live upon. (Encyclopedia of Earth, "Ecosystem," March 11, 2011)
Ecosystems are meant to work together to balance the predatory and useful. And within each ecosystem each inhabitant fills an important role. When fire enters this perfectly balanced ecosystem it can have devastating effects.
Impact of Wildfires on Ecosystem
According to NOVAOnline’s “ The World on Fire ” by Lexi Krock fires are creatures of habit with a seasonal pattern of burning that repeat globally each year on every continent except Antarctica. They, in fact, react to cyclical weather conditions along with human burning practices. In the process they consume billions of acres along the way. While the immediate impact to our ecosystem from wildfires is loss of life and property, there is a continuing risk to the watershed and airshed once the fire ends.
First, there are the flood-control systems and the potential debris-laden flows that can trap mud and vegetation during a rain storm. According to the USDA, approximately 80 percent or more of the surface vegetation is either consumed or dies as a result of fire leading to a substantial change in the vegetative structure. Potential mudslides on homeowners’ properties are inevitable.
And air quality in large-scale airsheds can be affected during and following fires through the “release of gases and other air pollutants by the combustion of biomass and soil organic matter.” (“Wildland fire in ecosystems: effects of fire on soil and water,” U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2005)
Fires also impacts forest areas that are used for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting and mountain biking. Wildfires can wipe out the beauty of an area quickly, and make it uninhabitable for humans, wildlife and vegetation for years.
Finally, some forest animals – specifically smaller creatures such as rodents, reptiles and raccoons – that have lost their homes may seek refuge in populated areas. Ultimately this could bring potential harm not only to the small animals, but to pets and their owners.
Benefits of Wildfire to Ecosystem
Though most people consider fire to be harmful there are instances when it is a necessary part of the ecosystem as described in the handout, “Benefits of Fire,” from the California Department of Fire and Forestry.
First, it cleanses the forest floor by removing low-growing underbrush and cleaning the forest floor of debris. Fire plays a dominant role in recycling organic matter and supplies air, water, nutrients, and physical support for the lifecycle of plants.
Fires also help to clear the wild lands which shelter forest animals and birds. Clearing shrubs and heavy brush makes room for new grasses and increases the water supply. It allows more sunlight to shine through and nourish the soil. The ultimate benefit is larger, healthier trees and less potential for large, damaging wild fires that spread out of control.
Did you know that more trees die each year from disease and bug infestation than from fire? Fire kills these diseases along with pests. And that helps to keep the forest healthy.
Finally, some species of trees and plants are actually fire dependent. They require a fire every 3 to 25 years for seed germination. Without fire they would succumb to old age and eventually become extinct.
While fires play a natural and often useful role in the ecosystem life cycle, they also can have a devastating long-term effect on our ecosystem. The goal is to find the proper balance between this good and evil.
Sources
- Antczak, John and Chang, Alicia. “Post-wildfire worries: floods, damaged ecosystem.” HuffPost Green. Accessed 4/21/11.
- “Benefits of Fire,” California Department of Fire and Forestry. Accessed 4/21/11.
- “Ecosystem.” Encyclopedia of Earth. Accessed 4/21/11.
- Krock, Lexi. “ The World on Fire.” NOVAOnline. Accessed 4/21/11.
- Neary, Daniel G.; Ryan, Kevin C.; DeBano, Leonard F. 2005. “Wildland fire in ecosystems: effects of fire on soils and water.” Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-42-vol.4. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 250 p.. Accessed 4/21/11.
Deborah S. Hildebrand - Deborah S. Hildebrand is a freelance writer & HR consultant with 20+ years in human resources & a Bachelor's degree in Business.
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