Fire Ecology in Alaska
Wildfire has been a part of the boreal forest ecosystem for thousands of years. Fire, along with other disturbance, helps shape the landscape to create a
habitat mosaic so important in maintaining diverse populations of wildlife. Yet historically fire was viewed only as destructive. As our ability to
extinguish wildfire became so effective, scientists began to discover the important role that fire plays in some ecosystems;
both as a benefit to animals and humankind. Fire can be dangerous, yes. But it must also be viewed in
its overall ecological context; without periodic fires our forests would not be the same, fuel buildup
would grow to dangerous levels and nutrients would not be returned to the ground. That is why fires
today are categorized and controlled, and sometimes even ignited.
To learn more about the role of fire in Alaska's ecosystems visit the links on the left or the links below.
Additional information:
Effects of Fire on Wildlife Populations (PDF file)
Preliminary Evaluation of Vegetation Change on a Large Prescribed Burn in Alaska (PDF file 240 K)
Managing Fire in the Urban Interface of Interior Alaska (PDF file 1,200 K)
