THE POWER OF GOOD FIRE

For many people, fire is something to fear—and for good reason. Wildfires can be destructive, fast-moving, and devastating to communities. But not all fire is bad. In fact, when used correctly, fire can be one of the most effective tools we have for protecting the land and the people who live on it.

This is what we call “good fire.”

Good fire is intentional. It is planned, controlled, and applied under the right conditions to achieve specific outcomes. Instead of destroying landscapes, it works with natural processes—reducing excess fuels, recycling nutrients back into the soil, and helping forests and ecosystems function the way they were meant to.

In Southern El Dorado County, the absence of fire over many decades has led to dense vegetation, heavy fuel loads, and an increased risk of high-severity wildfire. Bringing good fire back is about correcting that imbalance.

The Cosumnes River Prescribed Burn Association is helping lead this effort by working with local landowners and community members to safely implement prescribed burns. These burns are carefully planned and executed to reduce hazardous fuels while protecting homes, infrastructure, and natural resources.

But good fire is more than just a land management tool—it’s a shift in mindset. It’s about understanding that fire is a natural and necessary part of the landscape, and that avoiding it entirely often makes future wildfires more dangerous.

By using good fire proactively, communities can influence how fire behaves when it inevitably returns. Lower fuel loads mean less intense wildfires, giving firefighters a better chance to respond and reducing the risk to homes and lives.

Good fire also brings people together. It creates opportunities for training, collaboration, and shared stewardship—helping communities take an active role in their own safety and resilience.

The future of Southern El Dorado County will always include fire. The question is whether it arrives on our terms—or not.

Through the work of the Cosumnes River Prescribed Burn Association, good fire is becoming part of the solution—restoring balance to the land and building a safer path forward for the community.