Fires in the West

While fires in the western United States increase in frequency and intensity, an ancient creature relies on the destruction. The Giant Sequoia trees are among the oldest and largest creatures on the planet. The largest recorded trees are measured to be 311 ft tall and 3,500 years old. These ancient trees require extreme heat in order for their cones to open and release their seeds. The fires that are causing massive amounts of damage in the West are an essential part of this tree‘s life cycle. The circle of life is exemplified in this situation, with destruction followed by creation.