Fighting Fire With Fire (Prescribed Fires)

Fire has always been part of California’s forests. For thousands of years, naturally occurring fires helped clear out excess vegetation and kept forests in balance.

Today, many forests have gone too long without fire. Dry brush and small trees have built up, creating conditions where wildfires can burn hotter, spread faster, and threaten nearby communities.

That’s why CAL FIRE uses a proven approach to forest health. We’re fighting fire with fire.

Fire has always been part of California’s forests. For thousands of years, naturally occurring fires helped clear out excess vegetation and kept forests in balance.

Today, many forests have gone too long without fire. Dry brush and small trees have built up, creating conditions where wildfires can burn hotter, spread faster, and threaten nearby communities.

That’s why CAL FIRE uses a proven approach to forest health. We’re fighting fire with fire.

What does “fighting fire with fire” mean?

Fighting fire with fire means using prescribed fires, also known as controlled burns, to reduce excess vegetation before it can fuel a destructive wildfire.

These burns are planned in advance and carried out by trained professionals. They are designed to burn at low intensity and under specific weather conditions, allowing fire to do what it has always done in California forests, just in a safer, controlled way.

Why fire helps forests

Many California forests depend on periodic fires to stay healthy. When fire moves slowly across the forest floor, it removes built-up fuels and reduces the chances of future wildfires climbing into treetops or spreading rapidly.

Over time, forests treated with prescribed fire are better able to withstand drought, pests, and wildfire.

How prescribed fires are managed

Prescribed fires are carefully planned. CAL FIRE specialists review weather conditions, fuel moisture, terrain, and nearby communities before a burn takes place. Fire crews remain on site throughout the burn and stay until the fire is fully secured. Safety is always the top priority.

What you might notice during a prescribed burn

You may see smoke or fire crews in the area. While smoke can be inconvenient, it is usually short-lived and far less intense than smoke from large wildfires. Prescribed fire helps reduce the risk of heavier smoke later.

Part of a bigger picture

Prescribed fire is one of several tools used to improve forest health. In many areas, excess vegetation is reduced first through thinning or hand crews. Prescribed fire can then be used to maintain healthier conditions over time.