I was a wildland firefighter for the last 5 1/2 years.Until 2 months ago when I moved out west.We did control burns on a military base,and fire suppression.Fire is GREAT for wildlife..when it is controlled..If you burn during nesting times it is not that good IMO,but other than that it is great.The turkeys would run INTO the smoke as soon as the flames went down..to have their way with the exposed bugs(some already cooked for them..lol)..The animals have ways to survive fires.Sometimes they will simply huddle up in a pond.They will use the areas as soon as the fire is gone..and it will increase after 2 weeks or so goes by.When the new growth starts.Indians used to use fire to control the land,and old time farmers would burn off things to provide good groceries for the cows..etc.
Alot of people dont understand the importance of fire..Just like stated above in cali..when undergrowth isnt controlled you let the forest choke out sunlight and that cuts back on the groceries..its great for bedding,but not great for food..And when a fire DOES hit..it is disaster,and can ruin the forest.Alot of people dont know the buffalo moved to areas after fire..Fire has a purpose,and humans have impacted the way nature works in several different ways..Fire suppression on land being one..Im not saying let nature burn and destroy houses..I am saying a prescribed fire plan is in order..
I do hate that all of the wildfires are breaking out,and I hope that people houses are saved,and animals are kept safe as well.Most wild animals will be just fine tho,and they will be benefitting soon!
I have not been to the Mountains of colorado,but I am sure the elk will be back..they are probably back now enjoying new growth.