Fires Might Prevent Forest Fires

Missouri has so far been spared the wildfires that are burning through parts of the West. And University of Missouri-Columbia Forestry professor Rich Guyette wants to keep it that way. It’s a little early for Missouri’s wildfire season, but Guyette says there is nothing wrong with people taking steps to cut down on the chances of damage and destruction. He’s in favor of controlled burns to eliminate vegetation and other forest fuels that feed the flames. He says attitudes toward fire lead to fuel build-ups and often to destructive wildfires that damage trees and property and kill humans and animals.