 reduce the fuel load on the ground. The BLM's James Osborne says less fuel means a slower moving fire. When fire hits, you know, that spacing in the trees, it allows the fire to drop back down to a surface fire. Fires that burn in the crowns of trees are much more difficult to stop. Osborne says it shows the importance of projects that reduce fuels on the forest floor. The Darlene 3 fire burned 3,900 acres. The investigation into its cause is ongoing.