Fire is an integral of chaparral ecosystems. The vegetation has inherent characteristics which make it highly flammable and fire dependent. These characteristics, coupled with a Mediterranean climate, result in high intensity, fast-spreading, large fires vegetation becomes older. Managers have opportunities to impact fire size, intensity, and frequency by recognizing these relationships in land management plans and operational programs. Wildlife managers have a major role to play in determining fire management strategies on chaparral lands.
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