Designing Burn Windows for Integrated Fire Management in Wetlands: Why Should Flooding Not Be Overlooked?

Changes in natural wildfire patterns can cause significant impacts on biodiversity, health, and economies. This has sparked discussions on better fire management. One strategy used by countries is Integrated Fire Management (IFM), with prescribed burning as one of the main tools. Prescribed burns effectively depend on specific burn windows. These windows, defined as flood-free areas like savannas, may not suit wetlands due to the influence of flooding on factors like fuel availability. We examined how hydrological patterns affect burn windows in wetlands, using the Pantanal as a model—the world’s vast continuous wetland. We developed conceptual models of the firing window considering the flood and its hydrological patterns. The inclusion of flooding creates a new period, the flood season, and unpredictable burn windows. Floods add complexity, being able to alter the Burn Window, along with the timing and space. This study highlights that rigid burn windows designed for non-flooded areas don't fit wetlands. The dynamic nature of the burning window due to hydrological patterns suggests that adaptive management employing flexible and responsive approaches can optimize fire management strategies.