Wildfires were and are still common in the North American Prairie lands, and the flowers and grasses that make up this amazing ecosystem evolved as a result. For those that live in prairie regions, controlled prairie fires are a sign of spring.  Non-native plants are burned away during each burn, giving prairie species more nutrients and space to develop. Because prairie plants have deep roots and develop from a place underground, they can withstand fires. In prairie restoration, a prescribed burn is essential. As this is a burn process, there is resulting carbon.