Nestled amidst snow-capped mountains in Montana, the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory stands out as a unique research facility in the country. It serves as a hub where scientists intentionally ignite fires to gain insights into their behavior and explore methods of control. Established by the U.S. Forest Service in 1960 following a tragic forest fire incident that claimed the lives of 13 firefighters, this facility houses a towering 66-foot combustion chamber for conducting high-intensity burn experiments under controlled settings. Today, a team of approximately 80 dedicated employees continues the legacy of wildfire research at the lab, guided by a fundamental principle.
According to fire scientist and lab director Mark Finney, “We are certainly part of the problem.” Finney emphasizes the importance of implementing basic strategies to mitigate wildfires, such as clearing dead vegetation through prescribed burns, even in proximity to urban areas. He advocates for letting certain small wildland fires burn naturally to reduce the accumulation of fuels that could escalate into larger conflagrations. By resisting the urge to suppress fire altogether, Finney believes that we inadvertently exacerbate the conditions that promote more severe fire events.
The lab serves as a controlled environment for studying the unpredictable nature of wildfires. Finney recently showcased a simulation in which his team ignited dry logs in a silo to replicate wind-driven flames on the forest floor, providing valuable insights into fire behavior. With the increasing prevalence of massive wildfires, including those that ravaged thousands of homes in the Los Angeles region, the importance of the lab’s research cannot be overstated.
Despite the recent devastation in California being labeled as “unprecedented” by the governor’s office, Finney contends that these fire events are not new occurrences. He stresses the crucial need to learn from past experiences and apply those lessons to prevent future disasters. By studying the intricacies of wildfires, Finney and his team aim to revolutionize our approach to managing these natural phenomena.
When questioned about the challenge of convincing communities to embrace controlled burning near their residences, Finney poses a critical question: “What risks are acceptable?” He contrasts the minimal risks associated with prescribed burns against the potentially catastrophic consequences of uncontrolled wildfires, urging a shift in perspective. Rather than viewing fire as an adversary, he advocates for recognizing it as a vital component of healthy ecosystems.
In essence, the key to mitigating wildfire risks lies in understanding and harnessing fire as a valuable ally rather than a formidable foe.
