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IMAGE: A UM student and wildland firefighter walks on UM s Bandy Ranch in April during a prescribed burn event hosted by the University. The prescribed burn took two years to plan. view more
Credit: University of Montana
MISSOULA - In mid-April on the University of Montana-owned Bandy Ranch in neighboring Powell County, the snow was still visible on the surrounding Garnet Mountains, geese were honking overhead and Cottonwood Creek was beginning to ripple.
But there would be a greater sound of the season that day.
Tree sap, water pockets and air popping, crackling and combusting from heat, and the swinging of Pulaski s into hard ground as bright orange flames raced up conifers against a backdrop of radio static and beeps.