Georgia’s forestlands are providing greater benefits to people with the use of a somewhat surprising tool: fire. “Prescribed fire,” often referred to as “good fire,” is a technique used by knowledgeable practitioners who manage forests for good health and desired outcomes.
New statistics show more prescribed fires and more treated acreage were recorded by the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) this year than the five-year average. That means a cleaner forest floor to combat catastrophic wildfires. It also means more new vegetative growth, providing food and homes for wildlife. Boosted growth increases forestland’s water filtration and air cleansing capabilities, and provides more wood to support the state’s expanding development and worldwide needs.
The Commission’s burn assists rose 24%, and more significantly 33% in acres treated, this past year. Notably, these burns are conducted on private land, for private landowners utilizing state services to better manage their forests.
“We are extremely proud of our GFC team, which pledged last fall to bring more prescribed fire services to our customers,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Tim Lowrimore. “They exceeded our goals, giving escalated assistance with prescribed fire to landowners. Georgians are safer from the danger of wildfires because of these men and women.”
For more information about wildfire prevention and protecting and conserving Georgia’s forestland, visit GaTrees.org.
Georgia Forestry Commission
