Integrated Fire Management (IFM) reduces unwanted fires

Written by Kerryn Little 

Fire has a wide range of impacts, both positive and negative, on people, the environment and the economy.

Integrated Fire Management (IFM) is therefore a system that evaluates the potential consequences (positive and negative) of wildfire, in order to make decisions that will promote the beneficial use of wildfire, while reducing any negative impacts from unwanted fires.

These decisions affect many different groups of people. Therefore, IFM seeks to include everyone involved in this decision-making process, such as communities living with wildfire, land managers and government agencies, and incorporate both traditional and technical methods of managing wildfire where appropriate.

A key component of IFM is recognising the positive role of fire for many communities and ecosystems and ensuring decision-making reflects efforts to maximise these benefits while minimising potential negative impacts.