photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Wm. Bates | all galleries >> A New Beginning...Picture A Day >> Click Here for July's Images > Hose Dragons at Payson Brush Fire 07_21_05.jpg
previous | next
21-JUL-2005

Hose Dragons at Payson Brush Fire 07_21_05.jpg

There was a major brush fire just a few blocks from our daughter Brandy's home. Lightning struck the mountain and the wind rapidly blew the fire down the hillside and right up to the backs of homes. There were fire fighters from 6 or 7 nearby towns, the county and the National Forest Service fighting the fire along with several airplanes and a helicopter.

Listening to the news on TV this evening the only damage was one travel trailer and a few out buildings. People were very lucky and the fire fighters did a fantastic job.

BTW...if you have two cameras with big lenses around your neck nobody asks questions or chases you off while you take pictures :^) Minor downside, I did get kind of dumped on by a helicopter making a water drop.

A few more photos

Canon EOS 20D ,Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM
1/800s f/4.0 at 420.0mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
comment | share
Gayle P. Clement02-Aug-2005 14:48
Really excellent shot. The viewer feels the heat and the danger of this.
Leo Charette23-Jul-2005 09:44
I like the low perspective and the layering. Quality is outstanding.
Guest 23-Jul-2005 00:24
Quality photos at an incident are very rare Mr. Bates. If you willing, send a copy to the city involved closest to you for historical, training, and "look it's me!" purposes. You do great work, lets add PJ to your list of skill sets.
Jim McKinlock22-Jul-2005 22:16
That's gotta be hot. Aren't you guys having temps around 100 Deg.? Then put on all that gear and get so close to a raging fire. I bet these guy's would love to have a helicopter dump some water on them, their probably soaked in sweat already. Great shots Bill.
Guest 22-Jul-2005 21:15
Great shots, they capture the heat well. Having spent too many years on the handle of a ulaski , I can really appreciate these shots.
Ric Yates22-Jul-2005 21:05
Stunning shot, the flames and the heat haze have been perfectly captured.
Robin Reid22-Jul-2005 13:11
I am most struck by the feeling of heat as captured by the "wiggly air" and the flames.
Ray Akey22-Jul-2005 08:37
These are excellent, Bill! Anytime I see reportage-style photography of firefighters (and other rescue workers) in action, it really drives home how important they are and how dangerous it can be.
Guest 22-Jul-2005 07:03
wow, you can so totally see the heat! great capture, I'm glad all is ok!
Guest 22-Jul-2005 06:12
Nice capture William. It would be better without the near stuff that is OOF on both sides in the foreground, but the rest is great. The guys in the background complement the main subject nicely. Quite a dramatic result. Hope your stuff dried out ok.
John
Valeska22-Jul-2005 06:08
Great action shots. Love the yellow of the fire and the fire fighters.
Wesley Aston22-Jul-2005 05:28
Pretty sweet shot.