Recent wildfire seasons have brought significant losses to giant sequoia populations, prompting urgent research into their preservation. A new NASA-funded study reveals that controlled, or prescribed, burns are dramatically increasing the survival rates of these iconic trees. Mature sequoias in forests managed with controlled burns were four times less likely to die during wildfires. This preventative measure works by reducing the amount of flammable fuel on the forest floor, resulting in less intense fires. Researchers emphasize that expanding prescribed burning programs is essential to protect these ancient and majestic trees from further devastation. The findings underscore the importance of proactive forest management in the face of growing wildfire risks.