The scent and sight of smoke are extremely concerning to most residents of the Anza Valley. While flames can threaten lives and destroy property, some blazes are actually beneficial.Prescribed burns, also referred to as controlled burns, are the intentional use of fire, combined with other methods, to clear away dried vegetation that acts as fuel for wildfires.Fire is necessary and healthy for California’s wilderness areas and is as natural as rain and wind. However, ecologists have warned lawmakers and the public that decades of vegetation buildup throughout the state’s forests may encourage wildfires to grow faster, hotter and more quickly out of control.California’s wildlands are adapted to fire. Putting fire back on the land helps protect and improve habitat for wildl
