The Power of Prescribed Burning in Fighting LA Wildfires
- Angela Huang
- May 27, 2025
- 2 min read
Current Situation
On January 7th, 2025, the Palisades and Eaton fires erupted in Los Angeles County. This was just the start of a month-long affair that ravaged and changed the lives of thousands of Americans. As of February 12, 2025, at least 29 people have fallen victim to the destructive wildfires that raged across Los Angeles (LA). The fires have burned over 37,000 acres and destroyed more than 16,000 structures. There is no doubt that the damage of the wildfires goes beyond what is seen on the news; it has destroyed family homes and caused unmeasurable mental stress. While the eye of the storm has passed, it’s still critical for us to educate ourselves on the situation, as we look to strengthen our preventative measures and solutions to wildfires. This article will explain the benefits of prescribed (or controlled) burning, and the critical role they played in containing the LA wildfires.
Background
California’s climate is hot, dry, and windy, with forests scattered throughout the state. Therefore, wildfires aren’t an uncommon occurrence to the state. California averages around 7,500 wildfires a year, ranging widely in size. However, there’s an alarming trend in the growing size in acres burned. The graph below displays this trend.
There is no direct correlation behind this trend, however there are many factors that play a role in the growing intensity of wildfires. Climate change has intensified the conditions in California, making the climate hotter and drier due to greenhouse gases. Additionally, development in rural areas is putting more people at risk and reducing natural land. A combination of the drought weather, Santa Ana winds, hot temperatures, and other facets culminated in the deadly LA wildfires.
What is Prescribed Burning?
Prescribed burning is the intentional use of fires to mitigate and reduce the risk of wildfires. This is not a new practice; it has actually been used by Indigenous Peoples for eons. This reduces the hazardous fuels that can feed and cause the growth of wildfires. A century of suppressing these practices has primed the California landscape to be a perfect breeding ground for wildfires. The growing harsh climate conditions serve as a further catalyst for the fires.
Before prescribed burning happens, burn plans are created. These consider temperature, humidity, moisture, and other factors to ensure the fire is burned under ideal conditions and won’t get out of control. The more prescribed fires, the fewer extreme wildfires.
The Solution
Prescribed burning is a very effective way to reduce the intensity of wildfires. Considering the growing impact of climate change, it’s critical to integrate controlled burning quickly. Nevertheless, it’s important to create burn plans to ensure the safety of this process. The LA wildfires highlight the potential of wildfires to continue growing in size. It’s essential to continue fighting for the Earth and its people, and prescribed burning is a Greenovation that undoubtedly does so.
Ways You Can Help