Environmental Effects of Fire and Prescribed Burning

Fires of both natural and anthropogenic origin have known biotic and abiotic effects on ecosystem properties and the environment. The biotic effects of fire include changes in vegetation and subsequent impacts on wildlife. Abiotic effects include changes in soil properties, nutrient cycling, water quality, and air quality. The quality of life experienced by human populations is also impacted. The following sections discuss the effects of fire (including prescribed burning) on:

• Plants
• Wildlife
• Biodiversity
• Threatened and Endangered Species
• Soil
• Water Quality
• Air Quality
• Human Health and Welfare
• Aesthetics