Why Lake Martin’s Fires Matter

Have you ever wondered why some forests around Lake Martin are burning? In this blog, I’ll break down the importance of controlled burns and explain why Lake Martin’s fires matter.

Controlled Burns Help Preserve Nature’s Beauty

Lake Martin’s forest fires are not what you think. They’re a critical tool for preserving the area’s natural beauty and protecting our communities.

I think that controlled burns are one of the best tools that good stewards of the land can use. To help back up my opinion, I’ll share some statements from experts in this field that will give you more context to the purpose of the controlled burns.  

According to Fire Chief Wilkerson, the purpose of the controlled burns are to keep down the overgrowth in the forest area. If you have lower overgrowth, then that means there is a smaller chance of a wildfire spreading. The controlled fires protect lake properties by knocking down fuel. 

Controlled Burns Help Prevent Fire Hazards

I think another reason for a lot of people to do controlled burns is for safer communities. When you have a lot of fuel on the ground such as a lot of woods, pine straw, and little limbs, and dead trees, then potential wildfires can endanger communities.  

CFM Fire Managers explain that the “duff” that develops as pine straw and leaves breaks down and becomes very flammable. The duff which is very good for the soil then becomes a hazard. Since fuel builds up in the dirt, you have to periodically burn it off to prevent a hazard. 

Controlled Fires Help Benefit the Forests

Another reason why you want to do prescribed fires is for healthier forests. In Alabama, the forest and its ecosystems evolved over the years because of natural fires through lightning strikes and whatnot. So, the trees and the native species all basically thrive in incremental fire. 

It’s not only the trees that thrive in fire but also the wildlife like deer, turkeys, gopher tortoises, and the woodpeckers. All of the native local Alabama wildlife thrive in it. 

An example of the forest adapting to the fires is a long leaf pine tree found in the Lake Martin forest. It has learned over generations of its species of pine to survive in a fire. When the tree encounters heat, it protects itself by drawing up. As far as wildlife, it has been proven that controlled fires can help double the population of wildlife because of its benefits. 

Controlled Fires is The Law

A big reason why you see a lot of prescribed fires this time of year is because it’s the law. The Federal Energy Regulatory Committee is the compliance arm that licenses Martin Dam, and part of that license says that Alabama Power has to do controlled burns. This is done to reduce the fuel around the lake area so that they manage the forest responsibly.

If you’re wondering what Alabama Power, a power company, has to do with land on Lake Martin, then make sure to watch my YouTube video about who owns the lake. 

In Conclusion

I hope this blog answers some questions on why you see fires around Lake Martin. It is definitely a necessary part of good forestry stewardship. 

If you have any questions about that, then don’t call me. I’m just a real estate agent. My name is John Coley with Lake Martin Voice Realty. I would love to help answer other questions you might have about the Lake Martin area, what it’s like to live here, or what it’s like to own property here.

If you would like to contact me about real estate, then give me a call at the number on the top of this page, shoot me an email, or use my Contact Page. I look forward to hearing from you!

Also, to read more blogs about Lake Martin, click the links listed below: 

Dock Building on Lake Martin Alabama

What’s the BAD SIDE of Lake Martin Alabama?

New Fire Tower at CRATA on Lake Martin