Wildfire! The television flashes with pictures from all angles. Near the fire, residents see the fire engines and aerial water drops from planes and helicopters. Flames are consuming natural and manmade things within minutes.

These are the pictures we get when a wildfire occurs in the Chaparral ecosystem of the Santa Monica Mountains. But is it the whole story? Fires have been part of this ecosystem for thousands of years.

Attracted by the natural beauty and Mediterranean climate, more people are moving into this ecosystem, which can only be found in four other places on Earth. Today, the National Park Service and other agencies must provide for the enjoyment and preservation of this fragile place.

In an ecosystem that needs fire to remain healthy, how do you provide for the enjoyment and protection of millions of people that live and play in the Santa Monica Mountains?

This course is designed to provide an understanding of the fire behavior, the Mediterranean biome, and wildland fire. The course also explores how human influence affects the decisions agency land managers need to make.