Prescribed Burning Proven to Reduce Wildfire Risk

Paper: Mitigation of US wildfires through prescribed burning revealed by four decades of satellite data

A new 38-year satellite study from the United States shows clear evidence that controlled, or “prescribed,” burning reduces the size and spread of wildfires.

Researchers found that in areas where prescribed burning was carried out, wildfires were less likely to occur in the following months — and where they did occur, previously burned areas acted as natural firebreaks for up to five years. This protective effect significantly reduced fire spread.

The study also examined air quality impacts by measuring carbon monoxide levels. In the western US, areas with both prescribed burns and wildfires saw only minor reductions in air quality compared to areas with wildfires alone, where pollution was far worse. In the eastern US, prescribed burning produced more short-term air pollution than wildfires, but overall pollution levels were much lower than in the west.

Importantly, the findings underline that prescribed burning is not a blanket solution — its benefits depend on location, timing, and local conditions. But as wildfire risk grows worldwide, the research confirms that managed burning is an essential tool for reducing dangerous fuel build-up and protecting landscapes.

For those managing moorlands, the message is clear: targeted, well-planned burning can help safeguard habitats, rural livelihoods, and communities from the devastating impacts of uncontrolled fire.

Takeaway: Done correctly, prescribed burning is a proven, long-term defence against destructive wildfires — and a vital part of responsible land stewardship.

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