One of the most important reasons for intentionally lighting these fires is to reduce naturally occurring fuels within forest areas, in order to reduce the risk of wildfire and the threat of substantial economic losses of timber and other natural resources.
Prescribed fire is one of the least expensive methods of site preparation for reforestation.
Certain pathogens that reduce growth in pines and other species can be controlled or eliminated by the use of prescribed fire. Unlike wildfire, prescribed fire is rarely lethal to most forms of wildlife and is therefore an efficient tool for improving habitat for certain wildlife species. Huge and extent areas are burned for grazing purposes and to improve range conditions for livestock. The use of prescribed burning is an irreplaceable tool in maintaining biological diversity and balance, and restoring plant and animal communities which are adapted to the existence of fire. There is no doubt that fire is an important tool of land management in the United States.