Prescribed burning is the intentional use of fire in a particular time and place, under established conditions and specifications, to accomplish a biological or resource management goal. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation uses prescribed burning when this practice benefits particular fire -dependant natural communities and species. Secondary benefits derived from regular burning include opening aesthetically pleasing landscapes, impressive displays of wildflowers, greater numbers and enhanced visibility of wildlife, and a profusion of blueberries, huckleberries, and raspberries. Vegetation succession is the natural process by which one type of vegetation is replaced by another leading toward increased biomass and altered vegetation structure. Throughout much of Virginia, succession left unchecked would result in dense, closed canopy forest.
Fire contributes to maintaining Virginia's natural heritage in many ways.
Entire forest types such as longleaf pine forest, pitch pine forest, and table mountain pine forest are created and perpetuated by fire . The grassy savannas created by fire provide the necessary breeding habitat for rare Bachman's Sparrows and other forms of wildlife. Prairie vegetation still exists in Virginia largely because of frequent accidental fires along railroad tracks. Lastly, there are over 100 rare plant species which either depend on or benefit from fire . Fire liberates the rare plants from competing woody vegetation and sometimes enhances seed germination.