Fire effects research focuses on understanding the impacts of wildfires and prescribed burns on ecosystems, vegetation, wildlife, and human communities. Researchers examine the immediate and long-term effects of fires on soil nutrients, water quality, plant regeneration, and wildlife habitat. They also study the role of fire in ecosystem dynamics, such as promoting biodiversity, controlling invasive species, and shaping vegetation patterns. By gaining a better understanding of fire effects, researchers aim to inform land management practices, improve fire risk assessment and mitigation efforts, and ultimately help protect and restore fire-affected landscapes.