Fire Management

wildland fire

NPS Photo

Fire plays a vital role in natural ecosystems. Wildland fires which occur naturally help to keep flammable materials known as "fuels" from accumulating. If fires are not periodically allowed in the natural system, fuels can build up and create a situation in which a major forest fire can occur. Major fires are much more extreme and do much more damage.

Wildland firefighters help to contain fires set naturally and fight fires caused by humans. They help to protect visitors and resources by carefully managing fire within the park.

The Cumberland Gap Fire Use Module is dedicated to managing fires in the park and assisting other firefighters throughout the country. more...

 

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  A Day Making Fire

  Fire is part of the natural ecosystem and is also an effective management tool. Prescribed burns are utilized to reduce build up of fuels and are part of vegetation management.

  Duration:

  5 minutes, 54 seconds