The Ten A.M. Rule and Fire Paradox | San Diego News

In 1933, the Forest Service imposed the “ten a.m. rule” to stamp out wildfires by morning the day after they started — a response to catastrophic fires like the Big Burn of 1910. While effective at first, this aggressive suppression strategy backfired: it allowed dead timber and brush to accumulate, fueling bigger, more destructive fires down the line. By 1978, the agency abandoned the rule in favor of controlled burns and fuel management. But today, with climate change, urban sprawl, and budget pressures, there’s renewed political pressure to suppress every fire — even as experts warn that letting some flames burn naturally is essential for ecosystem health. Despite concerns from firefighters and advocates, the Forest Service remains committed to rapid, full suppression this year, prioritizing small fires to protect lives, property, and budgets. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d621cc9353e810e1