Wildfire is a part of nature, and is a very important part of forest regeneration.
Some trees need fire in order for their seeds to open and begin to germinate.
As well, wildfire keeps the buildup of fuel in the forest under control.
Forestry services around the world do controlled burns to get rid of excess fuel
on the forest floor.

On the downside, wildfire can be devastating to urban and semi-urban areas.
The potential for loss of human life, and the loss of property is incredible.
Unfortunately, as population increases and spreads further and further out of
our cities, the potential for loss due to wildfire also increases.

Fighting these fires is a very dangerous and difficult job.
Many firefighters have lost their jobs trying to protect people and their
property from destruction. Dawg is right when he says that these fires provide
job security for the firefighters. We would all wish that it wasn't the case,
but it unfortunately it's an occupation that appears to always be needed.