Fire controls the spread of plant diseases and insect infestations. Older trees that grow in unburned areas are more likely to be stricken by both, while the young trees that grow in burned areas are much more resistant.

Fire also helps certain types of trees, such as the lodgepole pine (or “fire pine”), to re-seed. Lodgepoles have two types of cones: one that opens at maturity and another type, known as “serotinous.”

Serotinous cones will only open and shed their seeds after experiencing temperatures greater than 113°F.