2007-10-30, Burning Trees to Save the Forest 焚树育林？

（单词翻译）

It's been protected from human impacts since 1909. With 3 million acres, nearly a half million under water, Superior National Forest is largely unspoiled. But now the survival of this national treasure rests with those who would see some of it burned.

When a massive windstorm flattened¹ nearly a half million acres of trees in July of 1999, the Forest Service knew a major wildfire was inevitable². They refer to this area simply as 'the blowdown', over 7 hundred square miles of kindling³ just waiting for a spark.

"Yeah, we're kinda wondering why that hasn't happened, um, when it's twice as dry, twice as warm and windy and there is lightning out there. But, er, so far we just haven't had lightning in a good patch of timber to burn."

On this day, "just to let you know the Magnetic Rock burn is a goal. " The Forest Service will strike the match.

"The weather forecast for today is favorable."

But not before checking that conditions are just right.

"Pretty consistent mainly southwest to leave at 14:50."

Gusts⁴ of wind more than 15 miles per hour in the wrong direction could be disastrous⁵. And if things go wrong, if the fire gets out of control, it would be burn boss Tim Norman who is responsible.

"Yeah Tim, we are ready to launch the torch of fuel."

It will come from above. The helicopter disappearing over this ridge⁶ will drop a flaming gel on the forest floor. The natural fuel there does the rest. For hours, wave after wave of air assaults rein⁷ fire from above. This is the time when all that planning to keep homeowners safe is put to the test.

"Before the burn, during the burn and after the burn, we are trying to look at it as many angles as we can, we're trying (to) outguess what could possibly happen and conduct it safely."

In the end, a plan with promise gave way to some disappointment. No safety problems. But the Forest Service had hoped to burn 1,300 acres. Shifting winds and problems with the flaming gel limited the burn to just 200. But that is still a significant amount of forest to burn.

"How long will this area take to green up?"
"Oh, it will be green…er… by next spring."

This area now creates a much needed buffer⁸ between the blowdown and hundreds of homes and businesses on the edge of the wilderness⁹. Burning the forest to keep a future wildfire in check, it's a huge job that's only just begun.