ABSTRACT
This chapter develops the premise that fire is a part of natural systems, just as are plants, animals, moisture, and energy. Several books and conference proceedings have reviewed fire characteristics on grassland, shrubland and woodland, and have described the planning and use of prescribed fire. The characteristics of fire and its ecological effects need to be known before fire can be used as a modern tool in vegetational management. Lightning is a common source of fire in natural vegetation. Lightning fire depends on the presence of dry organic materials, either in dry climates or in dry seasons. Trees and shrubs have some of the adaptations of herbs and additional means of avoiding damage by fire. Fire has been a factor in natural selection throughout the evolutionary history of higher plants and animals. Humans, especially with modern domestic animals, are a relatively new factor in the environment of vegetation.
