Not only that, but there are certain conifers that need a mild fire to go over them so their seeds can sprout (can't remember what they are called), however when the fire is too intense, like they are these days, they just burn up completely and cannot sprout anymore. Found that interesting..

So Alone the Bears moto should be, "Only you can prevent forest fires and only I can start them" In all seriousness this is a major issue that needs to be dealt with before it happens but everyone always seem to know just what to do after it happens. Great Job!

The US could learn something from Australia here Controlled burn backs and preventative clearing are a necessary part of fire fighting.

Also, our native trees and "forests" need fire every so often as part of their life cycle. Burned trees re-sprout more vigorously than ever and some trees can only disperse their seeds when there is a fire.

I meant *Smokey the Bear....auto correct

#3 The US forest service and department of agriculture have been doing planned burns for many years. When spontaneous wildfires occur due to lightning strikes or a careless camper and homes or valuable timber is threatened then they have to fight the blaze.

http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/management/rx.html

#4, it is Smokey Bear, no "the" in it's name.

Redwood, Sequoia and Lodgepole Pine need fir to open cones.

There is also a difference between a "Forest" fire and a wildfire.

Thank you #6 for providing the correct information on the cones that need fire to open up. I was too lazy to look it up . Been to your state and looooved it..stunning scenery and totally friendly people = Oregon

#6 By definition a wildfire is a fire burning out of control whether on a grassy plain or in a forest of large trees.
In the northern US and Canada the Jack Pine's cones are also serotinous as are the Table Mountain Pine's cones in the Southeast states and the Pitch Pine in the Eastern states.