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A firefighter with the U.S. Air Force Wildland Fire Branch, uses a drip torch to light dry vegetation on fire during a controlled burn at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 13, 2024. The drip torch fuel mixture ignites via a lit wick at the end of the torch and drips onto the ground. The controlled burn aimed to reduce the fuel loads, such as brush and plant matter, to lower the risk of uncontrolled wildfires. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keira Rossman)

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Fire spreads along the edge of a field during a controlled burn at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 13, 2024. Controlled burns aim to burn the underbrush and other fire fuels without letting the fire become unmanageable or spread to unintended areas. The U.S. The Air Force Wildland Fire Crew remained on-site for at least two days following the burn to ensure that all areas were safe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keira Rossman)

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A firefighter with the U.S. Air Force Wildland Fire Branch, uses a drip torch to light dry vegetation on fire during a controlled burn at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 13, 2024. In controlled burns, drip torches are used to set backfires, headfires, and flank fires, depending on the burn plan. The tool allows for precise ignition of fires, helping to control the burn's spread and intensity. The burn plan is designed with stringent criteria that needs to be met before the burn could proceed, including considerations for fuel moisture, weather conditions, wind speed and direction. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keira Rossman)

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Firefighters with the U.S. Air Force Wildland Fire Branch, fill a drip torch with fuel for a controlled burn at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 13, 2024. A drip torch relies on a critical ratio of diesel, which burns slowly and steadily, to gasoline, which ignites easily. Controlled burns help mitigate wilfire risks, enhance ecosystem health and promote biodiversity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keira Rossman)

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A firefighter, with the U.S. Air Force Wildland Fire Branch, observes the spread of a fire during a controlled burn at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 13, 2024. Controlled burns are proactively maintaining healthy ecosystems and prevent larger, uncontrolled wildfires. This controlled burn aimed to reduce the fuel loads, such as brush and plant matter, to lower the risk of uncontrolled wildfires. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keira Rossman)

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Fire burns in a field during a controlled burn at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 13, 2024. The controlled burn team utilized weather conditions, firebreaks and prepared a coordinated plan to control the fire. Controlled burns are instrumental in decreasing the risks associated with wildfires, in nurturing the health of ecosystems, and in fostering biodiversity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keira Rossman)

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A firefighter with the U.S. Air Force Wildland Fire Branch, observes the spread of a fire during a controlled burn at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 13, 2024. Effective smoke management involves predicting the direction and dispersion of smoke along with communication to local communities about potential air quality impacts. Following the burn, the wildland fire crew stayed on the premises for a minimum of two days to confirm the safety of all areas involved. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keira Rossman)

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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Casey, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, uses a drip torch to spread a controlled burn at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 13, 2024. Drip torches allow for precise control over where the fire starts, which is crucial for managing the burn's direction and spread. The criteria for initiating the burn were rigorously defined, encompassing factors like the moisture content in potential fuels, prevailing weather conditions, and the direction and velocity of the wind. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keira Rossman)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Moore, 47th Mission Support Group commander, uses a drip torch to spread a controlled burn at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 13, 2024. The drip torch fuel mixture ignites with a lit wick at the end of the torch and drips onto the ground. The burn played a vital role in lessening fire dangers and in the preservation, rejuvenation, and enhancement of the area's ecosystems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keira Rossman)

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A firefighter, with the U.S. Air Force Wildland Fire Branch, observes the spread of a fire along a firebreak during a controlled burn at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 13, 2024. The primary function of a firebreak is to prevent the spread of fire by creating a physical barrier devoid of fuel. It acts as a containment line which firefighters can work from to control a fire. The objective of the controlled burn was to diminish the accumulation of potential fire fuels, such as brush and organic debris, reducing the likelihood of wildfires. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keira Rossman)

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Three firefighters, with the U.S. Air Force Wildland Fire Branch, fill drip torches with fuel for a controlled burn at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 13, 2024. The team used various tools and equipment including drip torches, weather monitoring instruments, radios and water pumps to maintain control of the fire. Controlled burns help mitigate wildfire risks, enhance ecosystem health, and promote biodiversity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keira Rossman)

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Beneath smoke of Laughlin’s controlled burn

Published Jan. 22, 2024
By Airman 1st Class Keira Rossman
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

Laughlin Air Force Base, TX – -- A firefighter with the U.S. Air Force Wildland Fire Branch, uses a drip torch to light dry vegetation on fire during a controlled burn at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 13, 2024. The drip torch fuel mixture ignites via a lit wick at the end of the torch and drips onto the ground. The controlled burn aimed to reduce the fuel loads, such as brush and plant matter, to lower the risk of uncontrolled wildfires. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keira Rossman)

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