Prescribed fire alone, in absence of thinning, has been shown to be effective at reducing the factors that contribute to stand replacement wildfire. Stands that already demonstrate the groupy pattern of trees and grassy openings are good candidates for restoration using prescribed fire only. The fire is more easily managed, and will result in little, if any, unwanted damage. The burn reduces forest litter, recycles nutrients, reduces the number of ponderosa pine seedlings and small trees (generally less than 6 feet tall and/or under 4 inches in diameter), and allows fire to play out its natural role in creating the ecologically appropriate mix of tree groups and grassy interspaces.

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