English: The Willard Fire was caused by lightning in early July. Because of the weather conditions, the fire burned at a slower rate, with lower flame lengths, and a general lower severity than one would see of a wildfire during hotter/drier conditions. This type of fire actually BENEFITS the forest by reducing fuels (which would otherwise lead to more severe fire) thus making the area A SAFER SPACE FOR PUBLIC AND FIREFIGHTERS, and by recycling nutrients into the soils (a process only fire can activate since mulching/decomposing happens slowly in this climate) allowing healthy forbs and grasses to grow.

Low-severity fire should return to any given spot every 2-10 years -- that's how it happened long before humans ever moved into the area. This is the natural and necessary process for reducing fuels and recycling nutrients and it fills a role in this ecosystem that no mechanical treatment can replace.

THE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY: Though it's burning in a positive way, a lightning-caused fire is still WILDFIRE. Just like any wildfire, crews create a clear plan -- They identify areas where control lines would be effective and safe for firefighters, conduct burnout operations to solidify those those perimeters, and use burnout operations help moderate fire behavior as it progresses.