Near Kamloops in the British Columbia interior, a series of small plots were control-burned during the summer of 1977 after detailed botanical assay. Fire parameters were recorded, and soil and vegetation responses to burning were measured in detail for 3 years after the fires. Ten years later measurements were repeated. Results indicate that most effects of the fires were only temporary -- an increase in N content of grasses, reduction in fine fuels, and slight shifts in soil chemistry. Undesirable sagebrush and rabbitbrush plants were eradicated. We concluded that light surface fires enhance grazing quality and cause no environmental harm. © 1998, Tall Timbers Research, Inc. Abstract reproduced by permission.