Explore Our Fire Work | The Nature Conservancy

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Fire as a Conservation Method

Explore The Nature Conservancy's work to restore natural fire regimes around the world.

Prescribed fire being conducted by a crew from The Nature Conservancy at Dahms Tract (Suck Pasture) in Nebraska © Chriz Helzer

Forests and fire are naturally intertwined, and in many cases healthy forests benefit from natural fire regimes.

But fire is behaving differently than it has historically, mostly due to human intervention. Changes in how and where fires burn threaten our economy and safety, and can undo decades of progress in conservation and sustainable development.

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.

Explore our work with Fire as a Conservation Method!

Features

Kirtland's Warbler. Photo © USFWS Headquarters

Firebirds

These American birds depend on the restorative power of natural fires to create the habitat they need to survive

The prairie chicken played an integral role in the societies of some Plains Indian tribes. There are a number of recorded brave names involving the prairie chicken and some experts believe the bird’s distinct mating ritual inspired Sioux ritual dances. © Gerard Bertrand

Saved By Fire

In Texas, prescribed fire is helping to protect the Attwater's prairie chicken. Learn more

Prescribed burn at Paul Bunyan Savanna, one of 5 jack pine savannas in Minnesota, located in Brainerd, Crow Wing County, central Minnesota. Maintenance of jack pine savannas is dependent on frequent controlled burning. © TNC

Maintaining Fire's Natural Role

We are working to restore the natural role of fire in our landscapes and conserve the rich diversity of life on earth now and for future generations. Learn more

Jeremy Bailey, Fire Training and Network Coordinator for The Nature Conservancy. Photo © Jon Schwedler

Fighting Fire With Fire

Read an interview with the Conservacy's Jeremy Bailey, an expert in using controlled burns to bring land back to health.

Charred Lodgepole pine and seedling © J. Schmidt/NPS

Living With Fire

Not letting a natural fire burn can lead to a build up of undergrowth that fuels extreme fires that threaten both people and nature. Learn More

Prescribed burn in Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana, United States, North America © Harold E. Malde

Avoiding Accidental Fires

Next time you’re out and about in a fire-prone area, follow these top tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Learn more

A firefighter assists in a prescribed burn at Dorchester Pond © David Dadurka

Wildfire Journal

Read first-hand accounts from Conservancy staff members living and working near the threat of wildfires in the summer of 2012.

TNC fire specialists perform a controlled burn at the Green Swamp Preserve in North Carolina. The life cycle of many plants and animals found here are tied to fire. TNC actively works to maintain ecosystem health by setting prescribed burns in longleaf and pocosin communities and by replanting longleaf pine trees. © Skip Pudney

Fire: What's New

The Nature Conservancy staff work at hundreds of priority sites across the globe where fire is a significant conservation issue. Learn about some of our recent successes. Learn More