Georgia’s forests provide even more benefits to people through the use of a surprising tool: fire. “Prescribed fire,” often called “good fire,” is a technique used by skilled professionals who manage forests for good health and desired results.

New statistics show that the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has recorded more controlled fires and treated areas this year than the five-year average. That means cleaner forest floor to fight catastrophic wildfires. It also means more new plant growth, which provides food and habitat for wildlife. The increased growth improves the forest’s water-filtering and air-cleaning abilities and provides more timber to meet the state’s growing development and global needs.

The Commission’s support for slash-and-burn increased by 24% last year and, more importantly, by 33% in terms of area treated. These fires are carried out particularly on private land, as private landowners use government services to better manage their forests.

“We are very proud of our GFC team who committed last fall to providing more targeted fire protection to our customers,” said Tim Lowrimore, director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. “They have exceeded our goals and provided increased targeted fire support to landowners. Thanks to these men and women, Georgia residents are better protected from wildfires.”

For more information about wildfire prevention and protecting and preserving Georgia’s forests, visit GaTrees.org.

Georgia Forestry Commission