Following the Light in the Ashes
Written by Apprentices Maya P., Hazel C., and Melody R.
Cartoon picture with a match on fire dividing two landscapes, one burned after a fire and another lush and thriving.
Introduction
Southern California was faced with intense wildfires throughout January. Normally, this time of year brings thunderstorms, cloudy skies, and prepares the spring months for an optimism of vibrant wildflower blooms. Instead, residents were faced with wildfires everywhere. Wildfires do not always have to be viewed negatively. In fact, some ecosystems are dependent on fires to maintain their health, a key part of the natural cycle that we must be aware of.
Fires are usually seen as negative, life changing events that should never happen. When you think of fires, one usually thinks nothing but chaos. In recent fires, communities have experienced so much change and loss in their day to day life. Although it is true that fires are life changing, fires do not have to be negative. Natural wildfires can be healthy for trees and plants because it can be a chance at a new beginning.
Burning grass spreading and small flames throughout
Nature’s Resilience After Wildfires
With the recent fires in the Palisades and surrounding areas of L.A and a rise in negative media surrounding news about environmental issues, people have been having a hard time finding positive news (NBC News). Lately, everything seems doom and gloom because of natural disasters happening all around. But there does happen to be a hidden light in the ashes. Although fires do destroy, we have to remember that nature works in many ways and often has two sides. Yes fires are harmful, but the other side of the coin is that fires lead to new beginnings. Not just for people but also for wildlife. The phenomenon we would like to refer to is called fire followers. Even though you might hear fire followers and think of something similar to storm chasers who observe and take data from storms, this phenomenon is a natural occurring one. Fire followers act like a re-do button!
A firefighter with a hose looking at the camera and flames behind him
How Wildfires Create a Fresh Start for Nature
Although wildfires are harmful for human life in the natural world, these natural fires can be a breath of fresh air for baby plants. When we see or hear about fires, our initial thought is that since all of the trees and plants are burning we think that all of the species are losing their homes, but in reality, the ashes left over from the burned natural materials, like burned plants, can make the soil richer from nutrients! (National Geographic). The burned natural materials give other plants a chance to thrive in the space that larger and mostly dead trees and plants once occupied. Not only do new plants get a chance to grow, but these natural fires can also help clear large dead brush to avoid larger, more harmful fires. One flower that thrives from wildfires includes the fire poppy (Papaver californicum). This flower is called a fire follower, which means this plant benefits with wildfires specifically, the smoke! This flower needs the smoke to begin to grow. While they wait, they lay dormant. When a plant goes dormant this is similar to a bear going into hibernation. This process of waiting for a certain condition is called germination!
An orange Fire Poppy (Papaver californicum) in front of a black background
Growing Stronger After the Flames
Despite the losses suffered in these fires that happened throughout January, there is light at the end of the tunnel. A positive aspect that came from these fires is the community growing stronger than ever before. It is crucial for us to play our part in preventing wildfires that are doing damage rather than benefiting our ecosystem. Each of us has a role to play in this collective effort!
About the Authors
Maya, Hazel, and Melody are a part of the Conservation and Environmental Apprenticeship Stewardship Program (CESAP) and the EcoLogik Institute community, allowing them to explore their passions in the STEAM field! They have a love for the environment and contribute to making the environment a better place with different perspectives!
References:
Free!Pik. (n.d). Forest Landscape Before and After Fire. Premium Vector | Forest Landscape Before and After Fire
National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior. (n.d). Benefits of Fire. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fire/upload/benefits-of-fire.pdf
NBC News. (2025, January 7). California wildfires: What we know about L.A.-area fires, what caused them, who is affected and more. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/california-wildfires-what-we-know-palisades-eaton-los-angeles-rcna188239
National Geographic. (n.d.). The Ecological Benefits of Fire. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ecological-benefits-fire/
Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council. (2018, April). Fire Poppy - Papaver californicum https://smmtc.org/plantofthemonth/Fire_Poppy.php
