by Denise Calaman

Created on: February 03, 2009   Last Updated: November 03, 2010

A catastrophic forest fire will often decimate an old growth forest so that it will take years for the forest to recover. The devastating bush fires in Australia a few years ago are examples of catastrophic fires. While catastrophic forest fires are best to be prevented, occasional forest fires are necessary so that a forest maintains a healthy ecosystem. When studying the effects of a forest fire on a forest's ecosystem it is important to remember that a forest isn't comprised of only trees. A forest also contains creeks and ponds, wildflowers, animals, birds and fish.

There are two types of forests; old growth and new growth. Old growth forests don't support as many healthy species as new growth forests. Old growth forests consist of many mature trees with tall canopies that tower over the entire forest. These tall canopies block out sunlight, which seeds need to germinate. An old growth forest can't support as many animals because the land doesn't produce enough food. Many animals then migrate to new areas in search of food.

Dense forests like old growth forests are prone to more catastrophic fires because of dead needles, leaves and logs that are allowed to build up on the forest floor. Old growth forests are also prone to insect infestation due to their denseness. One solution that scientists use to clear out old growth forests to restore a healthy ecosystem is prescribed or controlled burning. Most of us grew up watching Smokey the Bear, and listened closely as he told us, "Only you can prevent forest fires." And while Smokey was right, in that, we all need to be careful when we are hiking or camping, not to start a fire, scientists sometimes will intentionally start forest fires to encourage the continued health of the forest.

Trained specialists, primarily scientists, start prescribed fires. They make scientific decisions as to what gets burned, where and how. Prescribed burning turns an old growth forest into a new growth forest by thinning the number of mature trees. After a controlled burn, sunlight again is free to shine on a forest floor encouraging germination of fallen seeds. Controlled burning reduces fuel (mature trees) and fuel ladders for catastrophic fires. It also reduces competition among the trees for water and light allowing new seedlings to take root in ash enriched soil, thus beginning a new growth, healthier forest.

Animals and plants adapt well to controlled burns. Animals will flock to a new growth forest after a burn because

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