AFE and Fire Ecology were recently made aware of issues concerning the journal’s classic reprints. Classic reprints include articles or papers from the late 1800s and throughout the 1900s that share historical fire science information and early fire ecology research. These articles are reprinted with an introduction to describe the impact the research has had on the field and why it is still (or is no longer) pertinent.
We recently learned that the introductions included at the time of the article’s reprint do not currently appear with the article. We are taking immediate steps to correct this issue.
This was brought to our attention through the concern that some of the reprints contain insensitive and racist content, including false information about Indigenous communities. We are listening to our Indigenous tribal members, and AFE’s Journal Committee and the Diversity and Inclusivity Committee are working together to address these concerns. We are reviewing all reprints for discriminatory, racist, inappropriate content, and other potentially insensitive issues, and a disclaimer will be added to alert readers to the issues found within the publications. In addition, new Editorials will be added to specific articles to acknowledge past mistakes and inappropriate content.
Lastly, AFE’s Diversity and Inclusivity Committee will jointly author a Forum article for Fire Ecology on Diversity and Inclusivity. The article will summarize the findings of the reprint review and discuss what we’ve learned from this issue.
If you have questions or would like to share your thoughts with AFE on this matter or if you would like to assist in this effort, please email office@fireecology.net.
