Beauty in the flames: How South Florida Fire and Aviation is using art to educate the public and build community support

South Florida’s Travelling Art Gallery shortly after being set up for an event.

Michael Gue, South Florida Prescribed Fire Manager, NPS

Prescribed fire has a proven track record of helping protect communities from the negative effects of wildfire and improving climate resilience. From the chaparral forest of California to the sawgrass prairies of South Florida, fire is critical to keeping these, and many more ecosystems healthy. The public often loses sight of the reality that our nation’s communities are frequently built in fire-dependent ecosystems, and those natural systems require routine fire to stay healthy.   

South Florida Fire and Aviation (SFFA) has found a unique way to counteract fire’s sometimes negative image through art. Thanks in part to the National Park Service (NPS) Division of Fire and Aviation Communication and Education grant, fire managers have built a collection of photos taken across South Florida during prescribed fire operations. This collection is now a travelling art gallery designed to capture the audience’s attention through documentary-style photographs. Each image invites the viewer to experience a firsthand glimpse into the dynamic nature of wildland fire. Fire personnel educate viewers on how fire is being used to build climate resilience within the national parks.  

A single mangrove stands in the foreground as Prescribed Fire moves across the landscape in Everglades National Park. The print is one of many photos within the Gallery.

Michael Gue, South Florida Prescribed Fire Manager, NPS

“How can something be so destructive yet so beautiful?” a patron attending the local Wine and Wildlife event in downtown Naples, FL asked as he gazed at the art display. “It’s fires like these that are actually helping to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of our national parks,” explained Riki Hoopes, fire communications specialist, beginning a dialogue with the new visitor. 

Hundreds of conversations just like this have been happening around pieces of strategically displayed art. These unique interactions allow the public to learn about the important role fire plays in public lands and builds support for the type of large-scale prescribed fire program SFFA is continuing to implement. It fosters a sense of collaboration and understanding of the importance of fire management. “For years we have been diligent working with the local school districts to teach kids about the importance of fire but we sometimes forget that many adults are misinformed about the important role fire plays in building healthy resilient ecosystems. The art is a great conversation starter. It draws people in, and they just start asking questions,” says Hoopes. 

Smoke drifts between the Pines and cypress as the sun rises to the East of Big Cypress National Preserve. One of the favorite pieces in the South Florida Travelling Art Gallery.

Michael Gue, South Florida Prescribed Fire Manager, NPS

When the art is not on display at pop-up galleries, its home is on the walls of NPS public areas for visitors and guests to admire. Fire education through art has the power to reach into communities where other modalities do not. It steps unexpectedly into local events and makes connections with individuals that would not have happened any other way.