Fire is inevitable. It is a part of the natural order, and much as Smokey would like to have us believe otherwise, animal populations and the environment are not permanently damaged by it. In fact, without it, new growth is impossible.

We can only delay, never eradicate fire. And, in the long run, we harm ourselves and the land we supposedly care for by trying.

The way to go is controlled fire. Start them, watch them, and prevent them from getting out of hand.