The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Native blue gentian © Zim

A native blue gentian, Gentianella wislizenii, which had virtually disappeared from mountain meadows in southern Arizona. Natural fire helped to regenerate growth by the thousands — lack of fire had previously prevented regeneration.

Fire plays a vital role in maintaining the health of many natural areas.

Restoring the natural presence of fire to landscapes — either through controlled burns or by letting naturally started fires burn — has brought new life to rare plants and animals and the habitats in which they live.

Excluding all naturally occurring fires, in contrast, can lead to a build up of undergrowth that fuels extreme fires that threaten both people and nature.

Learning to live with fire requires understanding the role of fire in nature:

• A certain amount of fire is sometimes necessary to allow animals and plants to thrive;
• Some fires that do not pose a threat to people or nature should be allowed to take their natural course;
• Individuals can take steps to protect their families, homes, pets and other structures from forest fires; and
• We must live and recreate carefully and compatibly with nature.

What You Can Do

• If you live in a fire-prone area, learn more about how to prepare your home:
  • Download the Firewise Communities Program's list of 50 things you can do to protect your home; or
  • Visit the National Interagency Fire Center website Protecting your Home from Wildland Fire.
• Learn about how both you and your community can be Firewise.
• Read our top tips to avoid starting fires accidentally.
• Donate now to support the Conservancy work to maintain fire’s role where it benefits people and nature, and keep fire out of places where it is destructive.