Because of reduced hydroperiods, however, some prescribed fires may burn severely in cypress domes. An intense fire every 2 or 3 decades kills most pine and hardwoods, but leaves cypress. The removal of a thin layer of organic soil appears to be tolerated by cypresses and other species. Drainage of southern Florida has resulted in soils that are dry early in spring which contributes to wildfires that are more destructive than fires that occurred before widescale drainage. Fire in logged cypress swamps is more severe than in unlogged swamps due to remaining slash and the presence of dense regrowth.
Fires burn hotter, destroy cypress seeds and roots in the soil, and eliminate cypress sprouts.
Melaleuca invasion occurs on sites that have been drained and severely burned. Fire management programs in southern Florida will probably be designed to bring about desired effects rather than recreate a specific fire regime.