Restoring a Culture of Fire

Association for Fire Ecology 4th Annual Southwest Fire Ecology Conference

Special Session: Learning from the Hermit’s Peak Calf Canyon Wildfire, the largest fire in New Mexico: From erosion to reforestation and living in the continuum of wildfire cycles

Key Takeaways from the Panel Discussion:
How do we restore the culture of fire among communities impacted by catastrophic wildfire?

Panel Description:

Key Takeaways and Potential Action Items by Topic

Culture:

Fire has always been a fundamental aspect of New Mexico’s landscape and culture, and continues to be used traditionally for clearing fields, heating, cooking, and ceremonial events. Centuries-old land and fire stewardship practices from Indigenous and Traditional Communities emphasize a deep connection to the land. Indigenous fire use reflected coexistence with nature, rather than treating fire solely as a tool; naturally occurring fires were respected as part of the landscape. However, a modern disconnect from fire exists from the loss of subsistence farming, land access, and control over land management. The challenge lies in restoring traditional fire management practices while addressing modern needs through adaptive management practices. Integrating traditional fire practices and local knowledge is essential to rebuilding trust and respecting fire’s role in the landscape. Restoring a culture of fire requires collaboration across diverse groups (e.g., Indigenous communities, local landowners, government agencies, and fire practitioners) and a commitment to shared knowledge and values.

Key Action Areas:

• Advocate for land management policies that support culturally significant fire practices on public lands.

• Integrate cultural fire practices into broader land management strategies, working alongside contemporary fire management techniques.

  Accessing Fire Resources

  Barriers to accessing resources for prescribed fire disproportionately affect smaller private landholders. These include limited access to funding, technical expertise, and equipment. Risk and liability concerns also discourage private landowners from utilizing prescribed fire on their properties. Supporting local leadership and fostering partnerships can improve access to resources and build resilience. Innovative changes to fire management policies can simplify fire management practices, reduce barriers, address concerns, and align policies with both community and ecological needs.

Key Action Areas:

• Address resource gaps to empower landowners to contribute to large-scale fire resilience efforts and reduce catastrophic wildfire risks.

o Expand funding opportunities and grants for landowners, particularly smaller- scale operations, to implement fire risk mitigation and prescribed fire practices.

o Increase access to shared fire equipment (e.g., burn kits, fire engines, etc.) through cooperative arrangements or fire councils.

o Develop programs that can connect landowners with financial, technical, and logistical assistance.

• Advocate for land management practices that streamline the process of accessing fire management funding and resources, especially for smaller and/or rural landowners.

• Provide resources to agencies and private landowners to address risk and liability concerns.

• Continue to engage the public on defensible space and pile burns to build understanding and comfort with the fire management practices with which they are already familiar.

• Pursue and support cooperative burn initiatives, such as Prescribed Burn Associations

  (PBAs) among interested landowners

  Communications:

  Misinformation and lack of understanding about fire science and safety can hinder public support for prescribed burns and fire management efforts. Effective communication around fire management and wildfire risk is critical in building public support, understanding, and safety. Disconnects often exist between land management agencies, local communities, and the broader public on fire-related issues, especially regarding the differences between prescribed burns and wildfires. Trauma-informed communication is vital for fostering empathy and resilience, with mental health support provided as needed.

  Key Action Areas:

• Develop consistent, trauma informed, and clear messaging about prescribed fire, emphasizing safety, ecological benefits, and long-term wildfire mitigation.

• Use local media, social platforms, and community events to spread accurate information about fire practices.

• Create localized fire communication networks to ensure timely and accurate information in the event of a wildfire or prescribed burn.

• Draw on communication strategies used for other natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, tornadoes) to enhance fire-related messaging.

• Build proactive mental health networks, train agencies in empathy, and promote accountability in communication.

  Education:

  Comprehensive fire education is essential both in schools and for adults, to help communities prepare for fire events and understand fire’s role in land management practices. Educational efforts for K-12 students, adult learners, landowners, and fire managers should include fire ecology, safety practices, and land management techniques, integrating both Western science and

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) about fire. There is a need for a more systematic approach to fire education that spans generations, involves local communities, and incorporates both Western science and Traditional practices. Engaging communities through hands-on learning and accessible career pathways in fire management can foster intergenerational understanding.

Key Action Areas:

• Develop and implement fire literacy curricula for schools, focusing on fire ecology, safety, and prevention.

• Encourage community-based fire education programs where local fire experts and land managers can directly engage with residents.

• Partner with state agencies and universities to create continuing education programs for adults, focusing on fire preparedness, prescribed fire techniques, and fire science.

• Provide hands-on learning opportunities and accessible career pathways in fire management.

• Support educators in helping students and families impacted by catastrophic wildfire by sharing knowledge, experiences, and fostering resilience.