Southeast US wildfires: systemic land mismanagement, climate colonialism, and extractive policies fuel unnatural fire regimes

Indigenous fire stewardship, such as the controlled burns practiced by the Cherokee and other Southeastern tribes, historically maintained fire-resilient landscapes by reducing fuel loads and promoting biodiversity. These practices were systematically suppressed by colonial and state policies, including the 1910 '10 AM Policy' that criminalized Indigenous burning, leading to the buildup of flammable vegetation. Reviving these traditions could reduce the severity of wildfires while restoring ecological balance, but such approaches are often sidelined in favor of industrial forestry models.

The Southeast’s wildfire crisis is deeply tied to historical land dispossession, including the forced removal of Indigenous peoples via policies like the 1830 Indian Removal Act and the racialized violence of Reconstruction-era land grabs. Industrial forestry, which began in the late 19th century, prioritized fast-growing pine monocultures over diverse ecosystems, creating fire-prone landscapes. Federal fire suppression policies of the 20th century further disrupted natural fire cycles, while urban sprawl and suburban development have fragmented habitats and increased fire risks in marginalized communities.

Cross-culturally, fire is often viewed as a sacred and regenerative force, as seen in Indigenous traditions where controlled burns are used to maintain ecological health. In contrast, Western land management has treated fire as an enemy to be suppressed, leading to catastrophic fuel accumulation. Afro-descendant communities in the Southeast, such as the Gullah Geechee, have long practiced sustainable land stewardship, but their knowledge is often excluded from mainstream environmental discourse. Integrating these diverse perspectives could lead to more holistic and equitable fire management strategies.

Scientifically, the Southeast’s wildfires are exacerbated by a combination of climate change-induced drought, invasive species (e.g., cogon grass), and industrial forestry practices that prioritize monoculture plantations over fire-adapted ecosystems. Research shows that controlled burns reduce wildfire severity by up to 70% in fire-adapted landscapes, yet these practices are underutilized due to regulatory barriers and lack of funding. Additionally, the homogenization of forest structures through industrial logging increases susceptibility to pests and diseases, further destabilizing ecosystems.

Artistically and spiritually, fire is a recurring motif in Southeastern Indigenous cosmologies, symbolizing both destruction and rebirth. The Cherokee myth of the 'Little People' associates fire with purification and renewal, while Afro-descendant spiritual traditions in the region often frame fire as a transformative force. Contemporary artists and writers, such as those in the 'Black Nature' anthology, explore fire as a metaphor for resistance and resilience in marginalized communities. These perspectives challenge the Western binary of fire as solely destructive, offering a more nuanced understanding of its role in ecosystems.

Future modelling suggests that without systemic changes, the Southeast will face increasingly severe wildfire seasons due to climate change, urban sprawl, and continued reliance on industrial forestry. Scenario planning indicates that integrating Indigenous fire stewardship, agroforestry, and community-led land management could reduce wildfire risks by 40-60% while enhancing biodiversity and carbon sequestration. However, these solutions require dismantling structural inequities in land access and funding, as well as shifting policy priorities from short-term profit to long-term ecological resilience.

Marginalized voices, including Indigenous communities, Black landowners, and low-income rural residents, are disproportionately affected by wildfires due to historical land dispossession and underfunded forest management. Black landowners in the Southeast, for example, have lost over 12 million acres of land since the early 20th century due to discriminatory policies and predatory lending, leaving them with fewer resources to adapt to fire risks. Similarly, Indigenous communities face barriers to reclaiming traditional fire practices due to regulatory hurdles and lack of funding. Centering these voices is essential for equitable and effective wildfire management.