Fire, like rain and sunshine, has been an important part of our environment for millions of years, shaping the very nature of life on earth. Around the world, fires are behaving differently now than they have throughout history, primarily as a result of human actions. Changes in how and where fires burn threaten our economy and safety, and can undo decades of progress in conservation and sustainable development.

More than half of the terrestrial world, including almost all of North America, depends on the existence of fire to maintain healthy plants and animals and natural resources upon which people depend, such as clean water. The damage caused by altered fire dynamics can be irreversible. By acting now, we can work to restore the natural role of fire in our landscapes and conserve the rich diversity of life on earth now and for future generations.

What The Nature Conservancy is Doing

The Nature Conservancy works to maintain fire’s role where it benefits people and nature, and keep fire out of places where it is destructive.

Working with partners, we:

• Use and promote Integrated Fire Management as a way to reconcile the fire-related needs of people and nature.
• Conduct scientific assessments to understand the causes and consequences of altered fire behavior.
• Develop site-based solutions to maintain and restore habitats that require fire to exist.
• Advance laws and policies that conserve fire’s natural role.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Harvey Payne (fire); Photo © Jim Brandenburg/Minden Pictures (jack pine seedling).