The best way to save giant sequoias may be more fire

Researchers have found that giant sequoias are more likely to survive wildfires if their habitats are treated with prescribed burns. A recent analysis of approximately 26,400 sequoias revealed that trees in areas with controlled fires were nearly four times more likely to survive. The study estimates that prescribed burns prevented around 1,900 sequoia deaths, and widespread use of this technique could have saved thousands more. By using controlled fires, conservationists may be able to protect these ancient trees from extreme wildfires.

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