Controlled Burning: Future Solution or Problem to Solve?

Authors: Nguyen Chau Dinh, Ahnaf Habib Miraz, Nasim Sawal

Forest burning has been quite common and has existed worldwide for centuries, while controlled forest burning is a relatively new concept in many countries. However, in Finland, it has long been a traditional forest management. According to Lindberg (2017) the subject of controlled burns in Finnish forests surround issues concerning the political and economic aspects concerning sustainable forest management. It can be said that controlled burns have a variety of non-utilized potential such as a possible source of heat energy, providing jobs, giving us empirical data surrounding carbon emissions, stop or slow naturally occurring forest fires. Many historical data show that forest burning in Finland dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Slash and burns were mainly used to create fertile land for Agriculture and burning undergrowth and forests to open up area for Agricultural purposes and caused forest fire. It was not until the Finnish forestry law was passed in 1886 that controlled burning improved.

Senior lecturer Henrik Lindberg explained that in Finland, controlled burns are primarily used to promote biodiversity and forest regeneration, whereas in other parts of the world, they focus on fuel reduction and pasture management. Slash-and-burn agriculture was common in Finland until the early 20th century, and many indigenous cultures have used fire for game management for centuries. To preserve fire-dependent species and biodivxersity, more controlled burns are needed. Currently, about 600 hectares are burned annually, a decrease of 90% compared to 100 years ago. It is estimated that burning 2,000–3,000 hectares could help protect many fire-dependent species. (H. Lindberg, personal communication, March 2025). It is cleared that nowadays forest burning differs significantly in purpose and scale compared to the past. The objective of burning is now on a smaller scale, targeting areas that are dry but not too dry, such as VT and MT types, to improve controlled burning. Modern forest burning requires careful planning and multiple preparation steps to ensure it does not lead to wildfires.

What are the benefits of controlled forest burning?

Energy Recovery

Although Henrik Lindberg shared, “In Finland, the contribution of controlled burns and wildfires to CO₂ and soot emissions is minimal, and their local environmental impact is negligible due to the small burned areas and low negative effects on ecosystems” (H. Lindberg, personal communication, March 2025), forest burning still generates a large amount of heat and emissions that have yet to be utilized. Researching this issue and developing suitable equipment will help maximize the benefits of forest burning in the future. One of the research to utilize the heat is known as TES. According to Kyrkou (n.d.), “The quest for sustainable energy solutions has driven innovation across various technologies, with thermal energy storage (TES) emerging as a pivotal player in harnessing and utilizing heat from renewable sources”

Use/Sale of Burnt Wood

Burnt wood could be collected from the area after controlled burning. The collection should be minimal and sustainable though, as the charred wood left behind is the primary benefit of the burnings. Burnt wood is unique and rare material, and it could be used as a luxury product for decorative building, for artistic purposes and for use in handicrafts.

Job Opportunities

Controlled forest burning is still a relatively new concept for many countries and people. However, considering the goals of job creation and sustainable forest development outlined in the SDGs, incorporating controlled burning into well-trained and widely taught skills could create various job opportunities, such as teachers, researchers, fire monitoring personnel, and many other roles.

Education

Controlled burning is an interesting and versatile topic from an educational perspective. It offers an opportunity to combine various subjects, such as biology, history, and culture. Programs aimed at school groups and young people could teach why controlled burning is important and how it supports the biodiversity of the area.

Tourism

This is a unique event that only a few get to witness. Controlled burning has good potential to be a tourist attraction and create tourism around it. Experiential tourism tour could be organized in the controlled burning areas, and tourists could even participate in the burning process themselves. This could be part of tourism experiences that teach and highlight the importance of biodiversity, cultural heritage, and sustainable development.

Biodiversity

Forest burning creates a unique habitat, supporting the survival of plant and animal species that thrive in post-burn areas. Improved wildfire control has reduced these habitats, causing many species to decline or disappear. Maintaining controlled burning will contribute to ecological diversity and support the long-term growth of forest ecosystems.

Summary

Studying controlled burning more will help people understand it better, allowing for more effective management and use of forests and the environment.

References:

Henrik Lindberg. (2017). Controlled burning Finland, https://www.metsa.fi/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Lindberg_controlled_burning_Finland-1.pdf

Wattcrop. (n.d.). Thermal energy storage: Capturing and using heat from renewable sources. https://wattcrop.com/thermal-energy-storage-capturing-and-using-heat-from-renewable-sources