Ruffatto Ranch News Today

For the second year, rappel teams from all over the U.S. are training in Montana

For the second year, rappel teams from all over the U.S. are training in Montana

For the second year, rappel teams from all over the U.S. are training in Montana

For the second year, rappel teams from all over the U.S. are training in Montana

For the second year, rappel teams from all over the U.S. are training in Montana

Rappel teams push through changeable spring weather to get their training done

US Forest Service rappel teams will be training in the Bitterroot for the second year in a row as they gear up for the critical task of attacking wildfires from the air.

Helicopters and firefighters in the skies above the Bitterroot.

US Forest Service rappel teams will be training in the Bitterroot for the second year in a row as they gear up for the critical task of attacking wildfires from the air.

PERRY BACKUS Hanging upside down 300 feet above the ground from the skids of a helicopter isn’t for the light-hearted. “That’s a lot of metal hanging in the air right over you,” said 27-year-old Karl Maes. “You get a little shot of adrenaline every time. It may not look like it from the ground, but the helicopter is teetering about while you’re hanging there.” "Its exhilarating," he said. Maes was one of a three-member crew who had just rappelled d...