Since the island has been settled, many of the natural fires have been controlled. Fire can provide many benefits to the natural ecosystem of the area. Prescribed fire is a useful management tool that is extensively used on Mackay NWR for vegetation management. Prescribed burns help to improve goose browse, reduce woody vegetation intrusion, and reduce wildfire hazards. Goose browse is improved by removing old, rank vegetation and enabling the fresh green growth to be accessed by the birds.
Fire helps to recycle nutrients that add to the productivity of the marsh.
Fire also helps set back the successional stage and prevents the growth of woody vegetation. In addition these fires are used to help reduce the buildup of wildfire fuels. Due to the proximity of the refuge to the community of Knotts Island, wildfires threaten not only refuge facilities but private homes and businesses on the island. Mackay Island is open from sunrise to sunset. All portions of the refuge are open to wildlife-dependent recreation from March 15 through October 15.