The author generalizes the results of the studies devoted to obtaining reliable information on the long-term dynamics of grass fires in Volga-Urals region and analyzing the data to identify space and time regularities of their development. The results indicate a widespread and considerable extension of an area of fire propagation and frequency starting from the middle of the 1990th - the beginning of the 2000th. The primary precondition for activation of fires in steppe regions is a sharp reduction of agricultural production accompanied by a decrease in pasture load and formation of fallow lands. The modern stage of fire development is characterized by the increased impact of the weather and climate factor. The primary reasons for steppe fires is an ongoing practice of agricultural uncontrolled fires and careless handling of fire. The fire impact brings steppe ecosystems in the condition of long-term stress and has a negative nature as a whole. The conducted studies allowed obtaining actual data on the dynamics of grass fires, revealing seasonal distinctions and peculiar features of development in different natural zones, as well as evaluating the factors of their occurrence and spread. The results indicate a necessity of optimizing the steppe management of natural resources.

The author generalizes the results of the studies devoted to obtaining reliable information on the long-term dynamics of grass fires in Volga-Urals region and analyzing the data to identify space and time regularities of their development. The results indicate a widespread and considerable extension of an area of fire propagation and frequency starting from the middle of the 1990th - the beginning of the 2000th. The primary precondition for activation of fires in steppe regions is a sharp reduction of agricultural production accompanied by a decrease in pasture load and formation of fallow lands. The modern stage of fire development is characterized by the increased impact of the weather and climate factor. The primary reasons for steppe fires is an ongoing practice of agricultural uncontrolled fires and careless handling of fire. The fire impact brings steppe ecosystems in the condition of long-term stress and has a negative nature as a whole. The conducted studies allowed obtaining actual data on the dynamics of grass fires, revealing seasonal distinctions and peculiar features of development in different natural zones, as well as evaluating the factors of their occurrence and spread. The results indicate a necessity of optimizing the steppe management of natural resources.