Revival of Fire Culture in the US South: Rejuvenating Longleaf Pine Ecosystems

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Jesse Wimberley, 65, actively engages in the communal tradition of burning woods alongside his neighbors in North Carolina. With modern tools like drip torches and leaf blowers, these groups conduct controlled burns of wiregrasses and forest debris to prevent future wildfires and promote the growth of the longleaf pine, a species reliant on bare soil for seed germination. Since 2016, Wimberley has been pivotal in expanding these volunteer efforts across eight counties.

This practice has become crucial for conservationists working to restore the longleaf pine ecosystem, which is fundamental to the Southeastern United States’ forest ecology. These volunteer groups, many of whom are landowners in the areas they serve, are incrementally bridging gaps in service and knowledge through these controlled burns.

Further insights reveal that prescribed burning, an intentional fire-setting process essential for forest health, often concludes with communal barbecues in North Carolina. Wimberley emphasizes the Southern tradition of community and cooperation in these activities.

Over 100 associations across 18 states, with a concentration in the Southeast, have emerged, according to researchers from North Carolina State University. The Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association, initiated by Wimberley, stands out as a pioneering group in the region, having aided up to 500 individuals in land clearing and burn techniques.

Historically, federal policies aimed at fire suppression have disrupted the natural fire cycles crucial to longleaf pine development. This intervention came with the expansion of private residences and altered fire management practices that were once commonly executed by Indigenous populations and early settlers.

Courtney Steed, a member of the Lumbee Tribe and the outreach coordinator for the Sandhills Association, highlights the cultural significance of fire, seeing it as a way to reconnect with ancestral traditions.

The longleaf pine ecosystem, now reduced to just 3% of its original expanse, is still home to diverse species like the bobwhite quail. These pines are known for their drought resistance, a growing concern in the face of climate change. Recent efforts by a coalition of environmentalists, hunters, nonprofits, and government bodies have achieved a 53% increase in longleaf pine areas since 2009, although falling short of the targeted goal.

Private landowners, who control a significant portion of forested land in the South, are key to the ongoing restoration efforts. Federal support, including nearly $50 million in grants and initiatives like the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “Longleaf Pine Initiative,” assists in this endeavor, though funding remains a competitive challenge.

Local landowners express concerns about the limited resources for conducting burns, as state agencies are hesitant to engage in private land due to liability issues, and private contractors are overwhelmed by demand.

Keith Tribble, 62, a North Carolina tree farm owner, credits burn associations for providing the necessary hands-on experience and support. Factors like humidity and wind speed are critical in planning burns, as explained by Bennett Tucker, manager of a private forest in South Carolina. These controlled fires are meticulously planned, taking into account various environmental factors to minimize risks.

As climate change impacts the number of safe burn days, the role of longleaf pines in ecological resilience becomes increasingly vital. Their deep roots and fire-enhancing qualities contribute significantly to forest health.

Lisa Lord, The Longleaf Alliance conservation programs director, stresses the importance of holistic forest restoration, encompassing all its ecological values.

Recalling the “Dixie Crusaders” campaign in the late 1920s that discouraged burning, Wimberley’s family stands as an example of those who continued the practice, recognizing its necessity for their livelihood. Today, as public understanding and participation in prescribed burning grow, so does the community of those committed to this vital ecological practice.

The resurgence of this “fire culture” is particularly meaningful to individuals like Steed, who sees prescribed burning as a powerful way to honor the past and shape the future.

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Pollard is associated with the Big Big News/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit organization that assigns journalists to local newsrooms to cover underreported topics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Southern fire culture

More about Southern fire culture

• Longleaf Pine Ecosystems
• Controlled Burning Practices
• Southern Fire Culture History
• Impact of Climate Change on Forest Ecosystems
• Role of Indigenous Communities in Fire Management
• Challenges in Controlled Burning
• Conservation Efforts for Longleaf Pines
• Prescribed Burn Associations and Their Function
• Federal Policies on Forest Fire Management
• Understanding Prescribed Burns and Their Benefits