Benefits of Fires in the Ecosystem

Source: Boreal pine forest after fire | Wikimedia

Wildfires are an important part of the ecosystem. The native plants in a region evolved based on fires, and should be burned periodically by wildfires. Fires create ash that becomes fertilizer for new plants to grow and the new plants draw animals back into the forest. The dead trees become homes for some animals, such as raccoons and foxes, and provide food (ants and fungus) for other animals. Wildfires are part of the natural process of the forest.