How Decades of Stopping Forest Fires Made Them Worse
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by: Vox|Published on: April 27, 2021
VideosScientist Reviewed
6789101112
Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video provides a historical overview of how we think about (and react to) forest fires, including previous suppression techniques, the mantra of Smokey the Bear, and Indigenous practices that can help correct the decades of fire suppression activities.
- It highlights why smaller fires are beneficial for some forest ecosystems and that suppressing all fires immediately is not good policy.
Subjects: Biology, History
Authors: Vox
Region: North America, USA - West, United States
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- It shows students that we should continue to learn, listen, and adapt as new information is discovered or observed.
- The animations are very helpful and engaging.
Additional Prerequisites
- There are multiple advertisements before and during the video, without the ability to skip them.
Differentiation
- Younger students may need to watch the video at a slower speed (which can be adjusted in the settings) or use a graphic organizer.
- Ask students to highlight the advantages/benefits of controlled forest burning in a presentation.
- As an extension, students can research the fire risk and forest fire management protocols in their area.
- Science or social studies classes could come up with alternatives to controlled burns that would also reduce the amount of leaf litter, twigs, and fuel in the forest without burning them. Guiding questions include:
- Why might this be more beneficial in terms of climate change and air pollution?
- What are the risks of a controlled burn becoming a wildfire?
- How frequently does this happen?
- Other resources about this topic include Analyzing the Rise of U.S. Wildfires, this article and interactive resource about feedback loops that increase wildfires, and this art resource.
The video highlights the importance of prescribed burns in forests, although it can be devastating if preventive measures are not put in place to curb extreme conditions. Educators should note that whether it is a controlled burn or not, forest fires are carbon sources and are not good for the planet. This resource is insightful, unbiased and recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
