While interning at the Missoulian I got to witness one of nature's most powerful destructive forces while covering the West Mullan fire. Wildfires have always been present in the American West and are a key part in the forest life-cycle, but they also present a problem where wildfires come into contact with people. 

The politics of wildfire management are a matter of great debate in western states with strong arguments for fire suppression and letting nature take its course. The middle ground is control, and the West Mullan fire exemplifies this. Still burning as I write this, the West Mullan Fire has consumed nearly 5900 acres and came to the back doors of homes and businesses in Superior Mont.