Sandhill crane numbers were greatest during the second postfire year on the June burn and greastest during the first postfire year on the August burn. Fires swept over 80 percent of the swamp, severely burning 140,000 acres of upland pine stands. There was no change in the resident sandhill crane population, but there was a significant increase in the winter population on the burned areas. Fires in peat bogs can sterilize the soil if allowed to burn too hot. Cooler fires can create open water in areas where marsh vegetation becomes too thick.
Fires can increase worm activity by increasing soil temperatures.
Marsh vegetation should be burned periodically to stimulate the growth of food plants by reducing litter and competition from undesirable species.