Australian summers usually herald vast bushfires causing devastation to both the bush, the wildlife, and civilization within its treacherous path. But it also encourages new growth by heating the soil, cracking seed coats and triggering germination. It also causes woody seed pods held in the canopy to open, releasing seed onto a fresh and fertile ash bed; and clears thick understorey reducing competition for seedlings; and finally, encourages new growth that provides food for many animals. It also creates hollows in logs and trees that can be used by animals for nesting and shelter. Bushfires are an accepted part of the Australian bush ecology.