Scientific research has generated arguments to both support and contradict the idea that fire was a common disturbance in desert grasslands. Many researchers view fire as necessary to maintain desert grasslands, mainly due to the current level of invasion by woody species in the absence of fire. Honey mesquite, a major invader of southwestern desert grasslands, shows low seedling establishment when subjected to frequent fire. When cured and dried, desert grassland vegetation provides adequate fuel for ignition. Once ignited, plant density is the limiting factor for fire spread.
Black grama can carry fire if cover is dense and conditions are windy.
Invasive alien grasses have increased fire frequency on some desert grasslands sites. The following table describes historic fire regimes for many communities where black grama occurs. Pleuraphis mutica 5-100 plains grasslands Bouteloua spp.