![]() NPS Photo In the last 100 years, as settlers moved into the region, fires were not allowed to burn. Openings and grassy spaces disappeared. The once open woodland areas became dense forests. Plants and animals, like the collared lizard, that thrived in those spaces began to disappear. Park scientists took note of the changes in the ecosystem. They observed how removing fire affected the woodlands. As a result, they suggested that fires should be allowed to burn in those fire-adapted areas. Fire managers were able to reintroduce fire on the landscape with planned prescribed fires. ![]() NPS Photo Bringing fire back into the ecosystem allows natural cycles to take place. This reduces the unnatural buildup of leaf litter and other burnable material. The risk of an unplanned and possible catastrophic wildfire goes down as well. Our Fire Staff Buffalo National River employs a dedicated staff of full-time, seasonal, and collateral-duty wildland firefighters. Our firefighters protect the park's natural resources from wildfires. The Buffalo River Wildland Fire Module is a fire crew that travels to national parks in Arkansas and across the country to manage fires when needed. Additionally, the module balances the park's needs with the needs of other agencies. This cooperation supports other land management agencies including,
The hardworking men and women in the park's fire program are key to keeping our forests healthy and protected. ![]() USFS Remember Smokey Bear's ABCs: Always Be Careful with Fire Fire has many uses. Smokey wants you to be responsible when using fire. Smokey never wants you to play with matches, leave fires unattended, or throw lighted cigarettes away. With your help, we can use fire safely at Buffalo National River. Keep the following the safety tips in mind when building a campfire:
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Fire managers from Buffalo National River explain how prescribed fires benefit the ecosystem. Learn More About Wildland Fire in Arkansas |
Last updated: August 15, 2018