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Reshaping Public Perspectives of Prescribed Fire: A Success Story from the Southeast
A prescribed burn on Mr. Herbert Hodges’ longleaf pine stand in Swainsboro, Georgia. Credit: Shelby Diehl
Fire suppression dominated the 20th century, with campaigns and messaging warning the public about the danger of fires in forests. Generations of Americans grew up with Smokey Bear’s “Remember… Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires,” and although this phrase was astutely rephrased in the 21st century to “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires,” fire sometimes remains a nemesis of the nation’s public perception.
Worsening wildfires are partly to blame, with recent outbreaks like the Palisades Fire instilling understandable fear in communities nationwide. However, lower-intensity fire is a natural and necessary aspect of many ecosystems. In the chaparral and closed-cone conifer ecosystems of the west, fire germinates seeds, opens up the forest floor to sunlight, reduces debris, returns nutrients to the soil, and increases water supply by clearing thick stands of shrubs—a must in the drought-ridden Southwest. It also helps prevent the dangerous, high-intensity wildfires that destroy infrastructure and ecosystems.
The Southeast isn’t much different. In the longleaf pine ecosystems that range from southern Virginia to eastern Texas, fire opens the understory up, providing ample hunting opportunities for native wildlife; increases diversity and abundance of vegetation; and maintains the habitat of keystone species like the red-cockaded woodpecker, among other benefits. However, concerns about damage to infrastructure can feature prominently in public and private opinion, which can hinder natural and prescribed burning.
In an effort to reverse fire suppression, change communities’ perspectives on the ancient practice, and restore ecosystems to their historic glory, the National Wildlife Federation’s Southeast Forestry team has been working with affiliates across the longleaf pine range to conduct prescribed burning on private lands, ranging from family farms to collegiate properties to community forests.
The Southeast Forestry team’s Longleaf for All Mentorship Model, which leverages the knowledge of experienced forestry landowners to educate their community on sustainable land management practices, is pioneering these efforts. This past February, Landowner Mentor Mr. Herbert Hodges hosted his annual Learn & Burn at his property in Swainsboro, Georgia, which offered professionals, landowners, and students the opportunity to get hands-on experience in prescribed burning.
While public acceptance of prescribed burning is fairly high, it doesn’t mean everyone sees forest fires as a positive thing. When the attendees of the 2025 Learn & Burn were asked how they felt about seeing fire in forests, the majority felt mixed, especially undergraduate students like Nakira Morris who didn’t have as much knowledge or experience in natural resource management.
Speakers and demonstrators from the National Wildlife Federation, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), and Georgia Wildlife Federation posed challenging questions to the students, educating attendees on everything from the native wildlife to pre-burn considerations to on-the-ground burning methodology. Everyone interested had the opportunity to use a drip torch under the guidance of a GFC professional, while simultaneously having 1-on-1 conversations that answered any questions the participant may have had.
“I learned we do prescribed and controlled fires to promote biodiversity and prevent wildfires,” Morris said. “[They] also taught us a couple techniques to use, what to look for when doing prescribed fires—the weather, the humidity, where the smoke is going to disperse at—[and] … what animals it helps.”
As climate change results in drier, hotter conditions—the perfect combination for rampaging wildfires—it’s more important than ever that prescribed burning is implemented on properties with high fuel loads—i.e., overgrowth, piled up debris, and vines—reducing the risk of out-of-control fires. By educating private landowners and the next generation of natural resource management workers, the National Wildlife Federation is ensuring that these precautionary steps are taken, protecting humans and wildlife alike.
The Southeast Forestry program is committed to protecting the forests of the southeastern United States, and in working hand-in-hand with our affiliates, we will continue to restore the longleaf pine range to its historic glory through sustainable land management practices like prescribed burning while safeguarding the communities within the region. Because together, we can reshape the public’s misconception that all fire is bad fire, reinforcing the understanding that prescribed fire is the tool we need to protect vital habitats for generations to come.
