Fire remains an excellent tool for managing forest and rangeland. Periodic burning helps control hardwood encroachment onto old fields and into managed pine stands. It also reduces the annual fuel accumulation in forests and grasslands reducing wildfire intensity.

Periodic burning improves habitat for Oklahoma wildlife by modifying cover, food quality and volume. It also induces environmental changes that result in plant and animal communities that are adapted to fire.

Oklahoma Forestry Services promotes the responsible use
of lawful, controlled or prescribed fire to manage wildlands and is a
Charter Member of the Oklahoma Prescribed Fire Council.