Policymakers seek to update forest management to reduce wildfire risks in the U.S

Policymakers are urged to update forest management policies to address escalating wildfire risks in the U.S., particularly in the West. A recent article suggests viewing fire as a natural process rather than a threat, which could help remove regulatory barriers. Key recommendations include facilitating fire restoration practices like prescribed burns, which can reduce wildfire severity and promote biodiversity. Streamlining environmental reviews could encourage these beneficial practices, which are often delayed by current regulations. Additionally, integrating indigenous knowledge into fire management is emphasized. Granting tribes more autonomy for cultural burns could enhance landscape management while respecting indigenous sovereignty. Public education on fire's ecological benefits is also needed to shift perceptions.