What is the purpose of a fire management plan?

The purpose of a fire management plan is to outline strategies for preventing, controlling, and recovering from wildfires. This plan is essential for forest management, particularly in areas that are prone to fire, as it helps protect both the environment and human interests. It includes assessments of potential fire hazards, strategies for fuel reduction, guidelines for fire suppression resources, and protocols for post-fire recovery efforts. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that forests remain healthy and safe for both ecosystems and communities.

While improving tree growth rates and promoting the sale of timber are important aspects of forestry, they are not the primary focus of a fire management plan. Similarly, while enhancing recreational use of forests is valuable for community engagement and tourism, it does not directly address wildfire management, which is the critical aspect that the fire management plan is designed to tackle.