Prevention includes education and other actions that reduce uncontrolled wildland fires. Control is action taken on wildland fires to protect life, and to reduce damage to resources and property. Fire Use is the application of prescribed fire, and the planned use of wildland fire, to meet specific resource objectives including habitat improvement, fuels reduction, species regeneration, or reduction of wildfire hazard. Wildlands are always changing, sometimes subtly and sometimes dramatically.
Fire is one of the important natural agents of change.
Fire has helped shape North America's wild areas for thousands of years - its presence is essential for the survival of many plants and animals. Historic patterns of wildland fire varied from one place to another, depending on climate, type of vegetation, and human influence. Present fire patterns differ substantially from historic patterns. The effects of fire range from subtle to extreme - and are influenced by the condition of the fuels that burn and the weather variables that directly affect the fire. We've learned that the lack of periodic fire in many wild areas increases risks to society and the environment.