Managing Fire Will Reduce Its Risk

Coming as it did as the season of flame winds down across the West, “Burn It to Save It” (by Wade Graham, Oct. 20) was timely and comprehensive. After decades of fire suppression and mismanagement, we have reached a point where real solutions are needed if we are to crack the fire paradox.

Indeed, if the risk of catastrophic fire is going to be reduced across the West, a wide variety of tools will be needed, including prescribed burning, strategic thinning and brush removal. Top priority must be placed on reducing the risk of fire near homes and communities. An approach also must be mounted, such as the one set forth in the Sierra Nevada Framework, a landmark plan in California that balances old forest protection with reducing the risk of fire. At the end of the trail, we need to better understand and accept the role of fire.

Jay Thomas Watson

Regional Director

The Wilderness Socitey

San Francisco