Wildland Fire Wildland Fire Fires on wildlands have both positive and negative effects on forests. Fires create mosaic patterns of new growth mixed in and around established plant and animal communities. New plant growth after fires provides an abundance of food for many animals.
Trees killed by fire provide shelter for birds and other animals.
Few animals are killed by fire since most can escape the flames. In Maryland, fire often kills small trees and other plants, but rarely kills large trees. Fire-caused injuries resulting in decay and deformity can reduce the benefits of the forest community. Mortality from insects and diseases may increase in burned areas. Water temperatures often increase after vegetation shading streams is burned.