Many of our area's native plant species - prairie grasses and wildflowers - have deep root systems underground that are not affected by fire. The process also returns nutrients to the soil, making them readily available for the next generation of vegetation growth.
It reduces the competition between weedy species and native species and encourages better establishment of the native vegetation which slowly displaces the weeds. Fish and Wildlife Service. Prescribed burning restores and strengthens natural plant communities in a number of ways. While fire may seem dangerous and destructive to wildlife, many species - both plants and animals - need fire to maintain healthy habitats, according to the U.S. Seeing these fires up close can beg the question: What about the animals? How are they faring in these fires? At this time of year, the sight of smoke in the distance is quite common, often the result of prescribed burns being conducted throughout the area to strengthen natural habitats for wildlife.
