Science brief examining prescribed fire trends and policy gaps in the Western United States.
This 2021 FireEarth science brief synthesizes research evaluating whether prescribed fire is being implemented at the scale needed to mitigate wildfire risk in the Western United States. Drawing on analysis of prescribed burn trends from 1998–2018, the brief highlights that most increases in prescribed fire occurred in the Southeastern U.S., while western regions largely saw stable or declining use. Despite strong scientific support for prescribed fire as a fuel-reduction strategy, federal agencies in the West have not substantially expanded implementation. The brief outlines policy, funding, and cultural barriers that constrain prescribed fire use, including risk aversion, suppression-oriented incentives, and declining prevention budgets. It concludes that without broader adoption of prescribed fire and meaningful policy shifts, the western U.S. will continue to face a growing fire deficit compounded by climate change.
Production of this science brief was supported by the National Science Foundation through award DMS-1520873.
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Authors
Kirkpatrick, A. and Hall, S. A.
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Suggested Citation
Kirkpatrick, A.W., Hall, S.A. 2021. We Need More Prescribed Fire in the Western U.S. to Mitigate Wildfire Risk. FireEarth Science Brief 08. Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, Washington State University.
Year Published
2021
Areas of Focus
Climate & Environment and Research Engagement & Communication
Topics
Climate Change, Natural Resources, and Production Systems
