Wildfires are a sad, scary occurrence, 85% of which (in the United States) are caused by humans, usually resulting from unattended campfires, debris burning, equipment use and malfunctions, cigarettes improperly discarded, and intentional acts of arson. As destructive as fires are, there are times when prescribed burns are actually needed. Ironically, they have even been found to be helpful in reducing the severity of catastrophic burns. Witnessing the effects of controlled burns is one of many interesting, unique experiences you can have at the Congaree National Park in South Carolina, one of America's most underrated national parks!

From time to time, prescribed burns are conducted by Congaree National Park wildland fire staff, sometimes with assistance from other organizations. Recreational access to the park's hiking and canoe trails, visitor facilities, and campgrounds often remain open during fire operation, with just certain areas of the park closed.

Smoke may be visible for several miles beyond the area of the prescribed fire and may drift over nearby roads, trails, and campgrounds. Precautions are taken to minimize impacts to park visitors and park neighbors.

Fires help resupply nutrients into the forests, rid the forests of species that shouldn't be there, and help certain species of trees propagate.

After a prescribed burn is completed, there are areas where logs are still smoldering, and even still burning. It's not uncommon to see downed trees like this one that are still burning even several days later!

One of the important goals of prescribed fires at Congaree is the reduction of large fuels, which is exactly what is happening in this situation with the downed tree still burning. When well within the burned area and not posing a risk to ignite a wildfire, logs and downed trees that continue to burn are monitored daily and left to burn as long as possible, which prevents them from becoming fuel for a wildfire.

The Bluff Trail is the best area of Congaree National Park to see the effects of controlled burns, but for your safety, please remember to obey all trail closure signs.

This incredible shot of the lingering effects of a prescribed burn was captured by Sam Wolfe Photography during a late walk around the road along the perimeter one evening following the burn.

Visit the Congaree National Park page on the National Park Service website and the Congaree National Park Facebook page for announcements and updates on future prescribed burns.

Have you ever visited Congaree National Park during or after a prescribed burn?