In this episode of West Obsessed, we discuss the work of wildfire researchers, as new studies show how intense wildfires create their own weather and move across the land. The research comes amid a flurry of federal budget cuts that could make it harder for wildlife managers to confront longer fire seasons and fiercer flames.  

“West Obsessed” is an occasional audio series produced in collaboration with KVNF community radio in Paonia, Colorado, where the editors and writers of High Country News discuss stories about the American West and why they matter. Subscribe to the podcast on: Google Play, iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher