How Can Grazing Mitigate Wildfires? A Review of Fuel Management, Ecological Trade-Offs, and Adaptive Frameworks

Under the influence of multiple factors such as climate change and human activities, the frequency, intensity, and destructiveness of forest fires are increasing, which may trigger multiple ecological crises. Forest fires can be scientifically prevented, and their risks can be mitigated through specific approaches, particularly by managing forest combustible materials. Common methods include mechanical clearance, prescribed burning, and the establishment of biological firebreak belts, along with the application of grazing to regulate forest fuels. This paper presents a review of studies on grazing and fire risk, both domestically and internationally. Research indicates that livestock grazing has complex effects on forest fire risk: appropriate grazing can manage fuels and modify ecosystem structure to reduce fire hazards—for instance, by decreasing the accumulation of surface flammable materials and promoting the regeneration of fire-resistant tree species. Conversely, overgrazing may disrupt ecological balance and increase fire risk, such as by exacerbating soil erosion and encouraging the invasion of flammable weed species. Case studies from different ecological regions worldwide demonstrate varied effects of grazing on fire prevention, though research in this area exhibits geographical disparities. Adaptive management should integrate targeted grazing, prescribed burning, and mechanical treatments in a synergistic manner. Future efforts should prioritize cross-scale studies, investigate the mechanisms of woody fuel modulation, and refine fire ecology models to enhance the precision and global applicability of grazing-based fire management.