Forest fires are raging across the western U.S., burning both public and private lands and causing widespread damage. The smoke from these fires is polluting the air over large areas of the country and affecting public health. There are many factors contributing to the large size and intensity of the fires this year, including a buildup of fuels on forest floors and ongoing drought. However, some argue that better forest management, through practices like thinning and controlled burns, could have significantly reduced the impact. Some environmentalists regularly file lawsuits to stop such management activities, making the forests more vulnerable to catastrophic wildfires. One such activist, Michael Garrity, has been called a "professional killer" for his success at halting timber sales, mining