Understanding Wildfires at the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory
Tucked beneath the snow-capped mountains of Montana lies a unique facility dedicated to understanding one of nature’s most powerful forces: fire. The Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory, established by the U.S. Forest Service in 1960, was born out of tragedy. A devastating forest fire that claimed the lives of 13 firefighters served as the catalyst for its creation. Today, this lab stands as a critical center for wildfire research, equipped with a 66-foot-high combustion chamber that allows scientists to conduct intense burn tests under controlled conditions. The lab is staffed by about 80 employees who are committed to advancing our knowledge of wildfires and developing strategies to manage them effectively.
The Role of Fire in Shaping Our Environment
At the heart of the lab’s mission is a profound realization: fire is not just a destroyer but also a natural part of many ecosystems. Fire scientist and lab leader Mark Finney emphasizes that humanity’s approach to fire has often been counterproductive. "We’re definitely part of the problem," Finney acknowledges. By attempting to suppress all fires, we have inadvertently allowed fuels like dead and dry vegetation to accumulate, creating conditions that can lead to more catastrophic blazes. Finney advocates for a more balanced approach, suggesting that some smaller wildland fires should be allowed to burn naturally to reduce these fuel loads. This strategy, often referred to as "prescribed burning," is not just about prevention but about restoring the natural fire cycle that many ecosystems rely on.
Studying Fire to Better Manage It
The Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory provides scientists with a controlled environment to study fire behavior, allowing them to understand and predict how wildfires spread and intensity. Finney and his team have conducted experiments, such as lighting dry logs in a silo to simulate wind-fueled flames on the forest floor. These experiments yield valuable insights into fire dynamics, which are crucial for developing effective wildfire management strategies. The importance of this research has been underscored by recent massive wildfires, including those in the Los Angeles area that destroyed thousands of homes. While the California governor’s office described these fires as "unprecedented," Finney disagrees, pointing out that such events are part of a recurring pattern that we often fail to learn from.
The Challenge of Convincing Communities
One of the biggest hurdles in implementing prescribed burns and letting some wildland fires burn is convincing local communities of their benefits. Finney frames this as a risk management issue: "The question is, what risks do you want? To experience the very low risk of having problems with prescribed burning, or do you want to basically roll the dice and just wait until circumstances overwhelm emergency response?" He emphasizes that completely eliminating fire is impossible, so our choices are limited to when and how we allow it to occur. This shift in perspective requires seeing fire not as an enemy to be vanquished but as a natural ally that, when managed properly, can enhance ecosystem health and reduce the risk of catastrophic fires.
Changing Our Perspective on Fire
Adopting a new mindset about fire is essential for effective wildfire management. Rather than viewing fire solely as a threat, we need to recognize its role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. This means embracing practices like prescribed burns, which can be implemented in a controlled manner to reduce fuel loads and promote biodiversity. It also means allowing some natural fires to burn under the right conditions, rather than suppressing every flame. By taking a more proactive and nuanced approach to fire management, we can reduce the likelihood of devastating wildfires and create a more resilient landscape.
The Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory’s Continuing Mission
The work at the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory is more relevant than ever as the country grapples with increasing wildfire frequency and intensity. The lab’s research not only informs firefighting strategies but also challenges outdated perceptions about fire. By studying fire behavior and advocating for a balanced approach to fire management, scientists like Mark Finney are helping to shape a future where fire is managed effectively, reducing risks to communities and ecosystems alike. The laboratory’s mission is a testament to humanity’s capacity to learn from nature and adapt our strategies to live in harmony with the forces that shape our world.
