Wildfire is a natural part of the life cycle of the boreal forest.
Boreal forests are susceptible to fire because litter from black and white spruce, balsam fir and jack pine does not easily decompose. As a result, it builds up on the forest floor and becomes extremely flammable. This build-up of litter also locks in nutrients. By burning litter, fire releases mineral nutrients and establishes the right conditions for seeds to germinate. Fire also determines species distribution in the forest, age-class and carbon storage.