For many years, a bear wearing a ranger's hat and dungarees has described forest fires solely in destructive terms. While Smokey has done a great job of reminding us to be careful with fire, we must be aware that fire can also be a friend. 

Consider these ponderosa pines. They are prolific and under the right conditions, like the ones found here, many seedlings will survive. This creates very dense stands of small trees like you see beyond the fence. Because of competition for nutrients, moisture, and sunlight, few seedlings grow into mature trees. Historically, fire has prevented the trees from becoming overcrowded by killing many of the smaller ones. This thinning also allows more sunlight to reach the ground encouraging grasses to grow on the forest floor. As you walk the path, notice how fire has thinned out the forest yet left many trees standing. 

Although fire is beneficial to the forest, human structures and lives must be protected. Today, the National Park Service is using prescribed fire, one started under carefully calculated conditions, to keep the soil and vegetation healthy and in a more natural state.