AFE statements and Position Papers

AFE’s statements are released when we have an important stance to take on issues affecting the wildland fire community. Our position papers synthesize the best available research on critical fire ecology issues of the day, and offer suggestions for ecologically-based management applications. These papers are drafted by special committees established by the AFE board of directors, then submitted to external peer review by top experts, and finally are ratified at the general membership meetings held during our Fire Conferences.

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2016 Position Paper: Sexual Harassment and Gender Discrimination in Wildland Fire Management must be Addressed
2016 Position Paper: Sexual Harassment and Gender Discrimination in Wildland Fire Management must be Addressed

The Association for Fire Ecology’s position is firm: as a professional organization, we cannot and will not condone sexual harassment or gender discrimination in any form, from any source, or in any setting.

2015 Position Paper: Reduce Wildfire Risks or We’ll Pay More for Fire Disasters
2015 Position Paper: Reduce Wildfire Risks or We’ll Pay More for Fire Disasters

This Position Statement was developed and is supported by the Association for Fire Ecology (AFE), the International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in April 2015.

2013 Position Paper: The Merits of Prescribed Fire Outweigh Potential Carbon Emission Effects
2013 Position Paper: The Merits of Prescribed Fire Outweigh Potential Carbon Emission Effects

A White Paper developed by Association for Fire Ecology, International Association of Wildland Fire, Tall Timbers Research Station, and The Nature Conservancy in September 2013.

2009 Position Paper: AFE Statement on the Role of Fire in Managing Long-Term Carbon Stores: Key Challenges
2009 Position Paper: AFE Statement on the Role of Fire in Managing Long-Term Carbon Stores: Key Challenges

Members of the Association for Fire Ecology adopted The Role of Fire in Managing Long-Term Carbon Stores: Key Challenges paper on December 3, 2009.

2006 Position Paper: San Diego Declaration on Climate Change and Fire Management
2006 Position Paper: San Diego Declaration on Climate Change and Fire Management

Members of the Association for Fire Ecology adopted The San Diego Declaration on Climate Change and Fire Management at the 3rd International Fire Ecology and Management Congress in San Diego, California Nov. 13-17, 2006.

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AFE's Statement on Recent US Federal Actions:
AFE Statement
AFE's Statement on Recent US Federal Actions:
AFE Statement

We are dedicated to supporting the wildland fire community and making it clear that the global fire crisis will not be solved by lack of funding, resources, or people. Click to read AFE’s statement on recent US federal actions.

AFE Statement
Letter of Support for the National Prescribed Fire Act of 2024
AFE Statement
Letter of Support for the National Prescribed Fire Act of 2024
AFE Statement

On behalf of the fire science community, the Association for Fire Ecology has sent a letter of support for the National Prescribed Fire Act of 2024 to Senators and Representatives.

AFE Statement
Add Your Signature To Support The National Prescribed Fire Act of 2024
AFE Statement
Add Your Signature To Support The National Prescribed Fire Act of 2024
AFE Statement

The proposed legislation for the National Prescribed Fire Act (H.R. 8557/S. 4424) is a significant investment in US forests and contains critically needed policy changes for addressing the current wildfire crisis.

AFE Statement
Letter Requesting Reconsideration of the 90-day Prescribed Fire Pause
AFE Statement
Letter Requesting Reconsideration of the 90-day Prescribed Fire Pause
AFE Statement

On behalf of our co-signing members, the Association for Fire Ecology has sent a letter asking the USFS Chief to reconsider the blanket pause for prescribed fire on national forest lands.

AFE Statement
Add Your Signature to Letter Requesting Reconsideration of the 90-day Prescribed Fire Pause
AFE Statement
Add Your Signature to Letter Requesting Reconsideration of the 90-day Prescribed Fire Pause
AFE Statement

On behalf of our members, the Association for Fire Ecology has written a letter asking the USFS Chief to reconsider the blanket pause for prescribed fire on national forest lands. AFE members who agree with this letter can add their signature to letter until June 5.

AFE Statement
IAWF and AFE United Statement Against Racism
AFE Statement
IAWF and AFE United Statement Against Racism
AFE Statement

The International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF) and the Association for Fire Ecology (AFE) stand together as communities appalled by and opposed to the racism that affects Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) everywhere.

AFE Statement

AFE’s journal, Fire Ecology, publishes peer-reviewed articles on all ecological and management aspects relating to wildland fire. Freely access journal articles and get details about submitting a manuscript.

The journal is seeking applicants for Editor-in-Chief!