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Table 2 Different language, goals, actions, and timeframes associated with framing fire as an ecological process versus risk to values

From: Forest Service fire management and the elusiveness of change

Dynamic

Fire as ecological process

Fire as risk to life, property, and resources

Consequences

Both desirable and undesirable effects

Negative effects; damages

Language

Fire is a natural process

Catastrophic fire

Goal

Restore

Protect

Decisions and actions

Capitalize, leverage fire

Exclude, control, minimize fire

Time horizon

Long-term (years, decades, centuries)

Near-term (hours, days, weeks)