The Biscuit Fire: Consequences of Forest Management Decisions

Many reasons have been proposed to explain the development of Mega-Forest Fires in recent years. The belief of the author is that the fundamental cause behind the development is related to management decisions rather than natural conditions in the wildlands. Some of the major management decisions since 1785 are discussed in this book. The history of fire control efforts is discussed in greater detail. The author does not claim that the majority of the decisions are either correct or incorrect. The decisions are what they are and they have brought both intended and unintended consequences. The only claim that the author makes is that "In times of high fire danger. all wildfires must be aggressively attacked when they are started."

The 500,000 acre Biscuit Fire in Oregon, during 29002, serves as an example for the discussion of this issue. The author's family has been deeply involved in forestry and fire fighting in this area. The evidence is presented in the form of a photograph collection that spans a 75 year period. The most recent photographs were taken one year after the Biscuit Fire.