Contrary to Smokey Bear’s, “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires,” campaign, it seems that many of the world’s fires are out of human control. This essay explores how fires, though unruly and often destructive, can help to balance ecosystems. It discusses how certain ecosystems are dependent on fires as catalysts for growth, and discloses how prescribed, natural fires actually help to prevent wildfires, which are much harder to contain. However, the text does not lose touch with the tremendous losses that occur annually due fires, many of which result from human negligence. Use this piece to engage your students in critical analysis of a situation with opposing perspectives.
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Author: Greg Kirmser Interest Levels: 7 - 10 |
Reading Levels: 4, 6, 8 |
