Just a snapshot, but I figured I'd share. I was headed back to work from a late lunch, I saw a growing smudge of black smoke. When I saw flames over the buildings, I pulled over and took a few images.
I figured it was one of the shopping centers, but turned out to be an apartment building just past the shopping area. About 3/4 mile (1.25 km) from where I was. Fortunately no-one was hurt but there was a lot of damage.
I'm in the same boat...keep looking at the site but haven't made the leap. I saw they do little photography trips in addition to meetings. Like dinner at Ballpark Village and photographing City Garden. I think I'm going to pay them a visit.
Btw, have you heard of this local photography club? http://collinsvilleareacameraclub.com/
I looked into CCC a while back, but never actually went to a meeting or anything. Do you know much about them? Are you a member?