Wildfire by pflaume

Wildfire

On a day where the country is mourning the tragic loss of 19 firefighters who died fighting a wildfire in Arizona, a wildfire broke out just outside of my town. Unfortunately, this is an all too common occurrence during the summer months in the western U.S. This fire is currently burning in the desert foothills about 3 miles away from where I live. It was likely human caused and has burned about 3,000 acres in 5 hours.

My family and I walked down our street to a look out point to get this view of the blaze. Of course, I brought my camera and tripod along. This was my first attempt at night photography. On top of that, we had no light so I bumbled about for a bit trying to figure out the settings etc. in the dark. Fires are both beautiful and frightening sights. I was pleased to capture a shot of this one.

By the way, no structures or people are threatened by this fire. Firefighters hope to have it contained by tomorrow night.
It is a beautiful sight...but scary also. So sorry for any harm or damage that results from this fire. Glad you were able to capture it. Take and be careful.
July 2nd, 2013  
Wow! Fabulous photograph but at what cost overall? Loss of life, loss of livelihood, loss of fathers, loss of property. I feel so sorry for everyone affected.
July 2nd, 2013  
Great capture, Lisa.
These fires are terrifying! They go so quickly once they get started.
You captured it really well. Hope they get it contained quickly.
July 2nd, 2013  
We heard the news last night and it is heart broken. Fire fighters are the most brave and unselfish human beings. Let’s pray and send our loves to their families. It is Lucky that the fire near you is not life threatening.
July 2nd, 2013  
Devastating. But you captured it really well, especially seeing as you say you're new to night time photography. Your colours are incredible.
July 2nd, 2013  
This struck such emotion in me. Sad yet joyful. Devastated on one thought & joyful that you could snap it beautifully the cilour is awesome
July 2nd, 2013  
Great and very poignant shot. Keep safe!
July 2nd, 2013  
Fantastic shot. Glad to hear this fire is under control
July 2nd, 2013  
It's very bad but beautiful colors
July 2nd, 2013  
Amazing yet terrifying - shows how powerful fire is and you get a real feel of how potentially devastating it can be. Hope it's under control by now and all are safe
July 2nd, 2013  
Such a beautiful capture well done - fav
July 2nd, 2013  
Beautiful shot but it must be so worrying to be so close to it as fires can cause so much devastation
July 2nd, 2013  
Fabulous shot of a tragic fire.
July 2nd, 2013  
Sorry to her about the fires in your country and pray for rain to put it out. Amazing capture though, it almost looks like lightning.
July 2nd, 2013  
Such a sad story of the firefighters. Great capture of the power of the fire.
July 2nd, 2013  
Amazing shot, hope they get it safely under control soon. Such tragic news about the 19 firefighters lost yesterday, very brave souls may they rest in peace.
July 2nd, 2013  
Beautiful and frightening. I am so glad this one will be contained. Very sad news about the Arizona firemen. This is a great capture and an instant fav!
July 2nd, 2013  
Incredible photo! Very frightening, though.
July 2nd, 2013  
Amazing capture...stay safe my friend!!
July 2nd, 2013  
Frightening and beautiful at the same time
July 2nd, 2013  
Powerful and frightening image. Stay safe!
July 2nd, 2013  
Fabulous capture, Lisa. You be sure and stay safe!!!

I was so sad to hear about the 19 firemen in Arizona.
July 2nd, 2013  
It's really horrible what has happened in the recent fire..a terrible loss of life. We know the danger of fire all too well over here. I was in Arizona in October last year, I can well imagine how quickly this fire must have spread. You have captured both the beauty and the danger well in this photo.
July 2nd, 2013  
Wow... be safe and thank you for sharing this image and update!
July 2nd, 2013  
So scary yet fascinating at the same time. Fire brings out such primal emotions. Glad everyone is ok with you. Fantastic long exposure
July 2nd, 2013  
Jo
Great shot Lisa, beautifully captured.
July 2nd, 2013  
Such tragedies, especially when caused by people that could have been avoided. Amazing job on this shot - with the line of burning visible as well as the range of colors.
July 2nd, 2013  
Both dramatic & scary at the same time. I pray that you and everyone in your area stay safe. I wish I could send you some of this Florida rain. Share a picture of the aftermath. Got to Fav it for the effort you put into this one!
July 2nd, 2013  
A brilliant shot - would never have guessed it was your first attempt at night photography. Interesting to read your comments and the scariness of it, but I'm glad no-one was in any danger from this fire.
July 2nd, 2013  
So sad and very scary. Do hope it really is out soon. But what a great photo you got from it. Really stunning and well done on first night time shot.
July 2nd, 2013  
Frightening and yet beautiful.
July 2nd, 2013  
Stunning photo Lisa. Fav. Such a tragedy to loose all those young brave men.
July 2nd, 2013  
Amazing capture Lisa. Sorry to hear the bad news but glad to know no people are threatened.
July 2nd, 2013  
Lee
My condolences to the families of the firefighters that died! Well captured fire Lisa.
July 2nd, 2013  
This is such a sad tragedy but you have captured it beautifully.
July 2nd, 2013  
Meg
That is beautiful although sad at the same time. Love it nevertheless.
July 2nd, 2013  
Would hate to be faced with this myself. Fire conjures up a fear of dread with me - a BIG fear i've had since my childhood. I'm glad that there is no concern with property or distance.
Super shot all that being said - but please stay safe :)
July 2nd, 2013  
Oowh, that's a scary fire pic but very nice captured! So close to your home. Hope everything turned out okay!
July 2nd, 2013  
Wow... scary stuff! Great shot of the action though! Stay safe!!
July 2nd, 2013  
what an amazing shot ~ so sad that this happens ~ stay safe
July 2nd, 2013  
Pea
Wow, that looks really vast Lisa, I hope they get it under control soon. Great capture and do stay safe
July 2nd, 2013  
It is beautiful, but also quite scary.
July 2nd, 2013  
Really fantastic capture, even though it's so scary. Yes, the tragedy in Arizona is enormous.
July 2nd, 2013  
fabulous capture. beautiful. very sad about the firemen...
July 3rd, 2013  
Caz
Such a tragedy that those young men lost their lives, they are so brave and do such a difficult job. Well done on your first night shot, hope this fire is contained by now.
July 3rd, 2013  
Great capture!It looks really wild and scary!Stay safe,Lisa!
July 3rd, 2013  
Wow! This is a great capture. I was so saddened by the loss of the firefighters in Arizona.
July 3rd, 2013  
Mac
This is amazing, Lisa! It has been so sad today reading bout the people who died. It's hard to believe we can't better protect them in this day and age.
July 3rd, 2013  
This is stunning and moving and horrible and mesmerizing all at once. It's a fantastic image. I'm so glad that the fire is out by now. Scary times with the heat wave and dryness.
July 3rd, 2013  
Your capture is stunning, Lisa. The ferocity of those wildfires is humbling.
Be safe, my friend.
July 3rd, 2013  
Great capture, glad to read on your next shot that this is now out and everyone is safe.
The fire in Arizona must be devastating. 19 firefighters killed? So many - 19 too many.

July 3rd, 2013  
Amy
Amazing capture Lisa
July 3rd, 2013  
What an excellent shot, Lisa. I'm glad to hear it was all under control. You're right, they are frightening and beautiful at the same time
July 3rd, 2013  
Amazing!
July 3rd, 2013  
Scary but wonderfully captured Lisa!
July 3rd, 2013  
Incredible capture Lisa but how frightening for everyone too. Really hope the firefighters stay safe and get it under control soon.
July 3rd, 2013  
It's a beautiful shot - gosh what destruction! keep safe Lisa :)
July 3rd, 2013  
Jim
You've really captured both the beautiful and the destructive nature of the forest fires that are ravaging the west. Hope your family is safe
July 4th, 2013  
AC
Stunning image! You have done a superb job capturing nature in all her fiery glory!
July 4th, 2013  
i can't imagine seeing a sight like this. it must be sort of mesmerizing. I'm so glad that no one was hurt, and no homes were lost.
July 4th, 2013  
Wow, this in intense!
July 5th, 2013  
Very intense! Really amazing capture.
July 5th, 2013  
Wow! It looks like a volcano erupting, with rivers of molten lava.
July 5th, 2013  
I do think that would be a terribly frightening sight and a the same time a thrill to capture it on film. Amazing shot!
July 5th, 2013  
Fabulous capture ...... glad to hear that this is now under control :)
July 6th, 2013  
wow awesome shot!
July 6th, 2013  
I don't understand why people would start fires knowing the unspeakable damage and harm they cause... here in Australia we are very prone to bushfires in our dry Summer months, and they wreak absolute havok! A spectacular photo showing just how wild wildfires can be.
July 10th, 2013  
Wow!! Truly amazing!! Great shot .. Hope it's contained by now and that everyone is safe!!
July 11th, 2013  
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.