2016 Research Brief
Description
In the early 20th century, there was an intense controversy over systematic “light burning, the practice of using cool fire as a management tool (similar to what we call prescribed fires today). These practices for fire control were highly debated before fire suppression policies overwhelmingly prevailed.
This brief summarizes a historic paper from 1911 that shows the question of "light burning" has been around for decades.
Contact
For more information, contact: jon_keeley@usgs.gov, evanmantgem@usgs.gov, hughsafford@fs.fed.us
Tags
Additional Information
Fairbanks, H. W. 1911. Shall we use fire as an aid to forestry? The Overland Monthly 57(3): 304-312.