A controlled burn removes the underbrush and lower limbs of trees, with larger trees resistant to low level flames. By John McCarthy

A fire manager observes flames from a controlled burn surrounding but not igniting a large diameter, fire resistant ponderosa pine. By John McCarthy.

Different forests burn with different frequencies and intensities often leaving a mosaic pattern behind. By John McCarthy

Michael Gordon 018--- Caption: Forests are quick to regenerate after a fire. Credit: Michael Gordon 2007

Sequoia 024--- Caption: Often, evidence of a recent fire is difficult to see Credit: Rich Fairbanks 2007