A recent study published in the journal Science found that controlled burns can help reduce wildfire risks and save taxpayers billions of dollars. The study analyzed data from 285 wildfires across 11 Western states and found that controlled burns decreased the total area burned by 36% and cut the amount of land burned at moderate to high severity by 26%.

Cost Savings

The study estimated that controlled burns prevented $1.39 billion in health and workforce productivity losses tied to wildfire smoke, $895 million in structural damage, and $503 million in carbon dioxide emissions. Overall, the study found that every dollar spent on controlled burns saves $3.73 in damages.

While some critics argue that controlled burns can harm ecosystems and disproportionately target larger trees, the study’s lead author, Frederik Strabo, says that the benefits of controlled burns far outweigh the costs. Strabo notes that the study did not account for the economic benefits of controlled burns on the outdoor recreation industry, which could be significant.

Forest Management

The federal government’s approach to forest management has shifted in recent years, with a greater emphasis on fighting wildfires rather than preventing them. However, some experts argue that this approach is misguided and that controlled burns are a more effective way to reduce wildfire risks.

The Trump administration has announced plans to increase logging on federal lands, which has added to concerns that the government could resort to clear-cutting rather than thoughtful, well-managed fuel treatment. However, Strabo says that his study provides further evidence that controlled burns are a cost-effective way to reduce wildfire risks and save taxpayers billions of dollars.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.