Ecological Impact of Forest Fires and Subsequent Restoration in Chile

Luz Valderrama,Javier Contreras-Reyes,Raúl Carrasco

doi:10.3390/resources7020026

Abstract

This note analyzes the effects forest fires in Chile have on vegetation and subsequent ecological restoration. We analyze why forest fires have been a main factor that affects the environment and causes the ecosystem to deteriorate, leading to loss of native forests, species extinction, damage to the urban population, and others. The data examined are derived from fire hotspots in Chile’s central and central-south zones ( 33 ∘ 00 ′ S– 41 ∘ 57 ′ S) between 1985 and 2017. We also analyze some key aspects for restoration priorities such as studying affected areas and posterior consequences. Finally, we evaluate actions the country has already taken, and propose further appropriate preventive and restoration measures.

Highlights

Fire has been one of the principal agents that affect the global ecosystem, damaging recovery cycles and altering the atmosphere [1]
The fire-ecosystem relationship is reflected in the response of ecosystems to natural fire episodes
In addition to natural wildfires, human-induced forest fires have been a key cause of ecological damage

Summary

Introduction

Fire has been one of the principal agents that affect the global ecosystem, damaging recovery cycles and altering the atmosphere [1]. Some ecosystems, where species have adapted to fire, have become dependent on it for maintaining their structure, composition and functionality Some of these ecosystems remain highly sensitive to fire generated by humans, whereas others in, for example, extremely dry or wet climates are less affected by such activity (resilience) [2,3]. In mid 19th century Chile fire served to clear lands for farming, so vast swaths of native forests have been burned These farm lands turned out highly useful for producing beneficial goods and services for humans (global hectares) [4]. Depending on the fire regime, ecosystems are classified as dependent or independent The former depend on fire to keep their structure, composition and functionality, as species have adapted to fire events. Data come from CONAF, which quantifies and reports affected areas, and fire causes

Forest Fires Factors

Consequences of Forest Fires

Environmental Policies

Ecological Restoration

Findings

Conclusions