Small float planes are soon circling above, to keep an eye on the fire, and to help douse any hot spots should the fire get away. This fire starts from the air too. Soon, flaming gasoline is falling from the barrel and orange flames begin exploding in the aspen and pines. Soon, flaming gasoline is falling from the barrel and orange flames begin exploding in the aspen and pines. See larger image.
Dead trees become candles, and then torches.
Balsam firs vanish in crackling explosions of flame. Black and gray billows from the woods and circle into a growing column that spreads over the blue water. A wonderful smell of burning wood becomes a choking blanket of heat and ash. The Forest Service's Andy Drange fought fires in Montana for much of the summer. He's seen the way fire creates its own wind.