Winter Pile Burn on Cle Elum Ridge — The Nature Conservancy in Washington

Donning hard hats, gloves, and natural-fiber fire-safe clothes, the team arrives to the first pile, carrying shovels and fuel.

In this case, the word ‘pile’ seems like an understatement when faced with a 20ft by 20 ft mountain of snow with only a branch sticking out here or there to indicate something is hidden underneath. Starting at a small opening in the snow, the team digs until there is enough exposed, dry vegetation. Then, using a drip torch—a canister of fuel with an ignited tip—begin to burn the branches and pine needles until the fire sustains itself.