Fires are important to ecosystems, according to the Sierra Club: "Natural, periodic fires play a crucial role in forests. They restore minerals to the soil; create habitat for fish and wildlife; release seeds from large trees like the Giant Sequoia, which have evolved to rely on fire's life-giving qualities; halt insect infestations; and eliminate smaller brush and saplings that compete with the forests' large, fire-resistant trees. Regular natural fires create healthy forest habitats."

Shepherd Bliss

Shepherd Bliss owns an organic farm in Northern California and has
contributed to 16 books, most recently to "Shattered Illusions: America's War on Terrorism," to be published in August by Amal Press in England.
http://www.amalpress.com

He can be reached at: sb3@pon.net.

Photo courtesy National Interagency Fire Center: http://www.nifc.gov