This term replaces management ignited prescribed fire. Maintain the natural ecosystems of the area and allow fire to play its role in those ecosystems. Reduce the risks and consequences of unwanted wildfire in the Wilderness and adjacent areas. The Siskiyou National Forest Land Management Plan directed that Wildland Fire Use be implemented for maintaining wilderness values and required that Wilderness Fire Management Direction be developed. A natural fire is a fire that is started by natural causes.
Lightning is the most common cause.
Fire is a part of the natural process of the forest, some plants and animals depend on it for their survival and regeneration. The natural forest landscape was developed with periodic fires and many species are adapted to fire. At this time fires will be confined to the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. In the future a decision considering the values outside the wilderness and the allocations in the Forest Land Management Plan may be made which will allow Wildland Fire Use, if compatible. The area where a fire is burning will be well signed and the recreationists can enjoy other parts of the wilderness without being threatened by a fire.