Prescribed Fire Restores Wild Habitats | Reno News

Reno News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 1, 2026 · 1m

New research reveals prescribed fires aren’t just safe—they’re essential for restoring ecosystems in the West. In eastern Nevada, carefully planned burns cleared overgrown vegetation, sparking new native plants and creating ideal habitats for bighorn sheep, mule deer, and elk. These animals thrive in younger landscapes with abundant forage, something decades of fire suppression have erased. By mimicking natural fire cycles, controlled burns reduce wildfire fuel loads while boosting biodiversity. Though complex—requiring weather, crews, and smoke management—these burns work best when paired…