Smoke rises over the Florida Everglades as fire burns through. For some, these flames are scary and dangerous. But what many might not know is that they can also be helpful.
Fires have happened naturally in the Everglades for thousands of years. They are a necessary part of the ecosystem which have helped it evolve .
“I believe fires in the Everglades are necessary because they help clear out old plants and make space for new ones,” said Maria Nordholz, a junior.
However, some believe the fires are more harmful than helpful. Recently, hotter and longer fires caused by climate change ravaged the land. These can sometimes spiral out of control potentially destroying nearby towns and homes which, as a result, may become engulfed by smoke.
Camila Echeverri, a junior, has concerns.
“I believe there should be people trying to stop the fires because they are hurting the planet and could potentially hurt the Everglades if not controlled,” she said.
Firefighters and other park personnel use controlled burns to try to keep the balance between beneficial and harmful fires. Controlled burns are small, planned fires set on purpose to burn old plants and to stop bigger fires from starting later.
“I have a friend who’s dad is a park worker, He works all year long to make sure the fires don’t get out of control and to help the environment,” said junior Julia Alemany.
Are Everglades fires bad or good? The answer is both. They can be both beneficial and harmful. When done the right way, fires help the land to stay healthy. But if they grow too large, they can be dangerous. That’s why fire has to be managed carefully in the Everglades or else there might not be a future for it.
