We’re playing with fire – safely

Paul Hensel, Bitter Lake Wildlife Refuge engine captain, performs a controlled burn at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 18, 2026. Controlled burns are performed to reduce wildfire risk and maintain the base’s ecosystem. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Paula Arce)

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We’re playing with fire – safely

Fire personnel conduct a controlled burn at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 18, 2026. Controlled burns are performed to reduce wildfire risk and maintain the base’s ecosystem. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Paula Arce)

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We’re playing with fire – safely

Stephen Slonosky, Bitter Lake Wildlife Refuge engine captain, conducts a controlled burn at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 18, 2026. Controlled burns are performed to reduce wildfire risk and maintain the base’s ecosystem. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Paula Arce)

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We’re playing with fire – safely

Published March 20, 2026
By Senior Airman Paula Arce
22nd Air Refueling Wing

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Paul Hensel, Bitter Lake Wildlife Refuge engine captain, performs a controlled burn at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 18, 2026. Controlled burns are performed to reduce wildfire risk and maintain the base’s ecosystem. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Paula Arce)