Why does selective logging make forests more likely to burn?

Selective logging increases the risk of fire by fundamentally altering the forest's microclimate and structure. By removing trees, the process converts a closed, humid forest canopy into a more open and drier environment.12

This transition to a drier state leaves the forest vulnerable in several ways:

• Increased Flammability: The more open structure allows for greater airflow and sunlight penetration, which dries out the forest floor and understory vegetation.12
• External Threats: The altered, drier conditions make the forest susceptible to the accidental spread of fires from adjacent cleared agricultural lands.1
• Drought Sensitivity: The forest becomes less resilient to the killing effects of natural droughts, which can further dry out the vegetation and increase fuel loads.1

As these factors interact, the forest can become progressively more open, creating a cycle where logging, drought, and fire continue to degrade the ecosystem until significant tree cover is lost. Additionally, the use of heavy machinery during logging operations compacts the soil, which hinders the natural recovery of plant species and further destabilizes the forest's ability to maintain its moisture levels.12