This series was taken in Ridgecrest Ca, about 60 miles east of the fire. Beginning about 10 minutes before sunset. Pentax K7 w/18-135 WR lens.
The fire has consumed 30,000+ acres with only about 5% contained. 150+ structures destroyed and 2 fatalities to date. Pray for RAIN!!
Cliff
USNRet: Well, what can I say. These Western State's fires are a disaster. Lighting up the sky through your images really shows off the combined power of nature.
Sorry this got posted twice.
I lived in China Lake and Ridgecrest from 1957-1962. A beautiful area; as are your photos. May this fire be contained quickly and more tragedy averted.
Used to camp on the Kern River with my family. Shared the area with fire fighting apparatus one time many year ago. A special was done on TV, called "Wildfire". Only 8 homes were destroyed. Can't imagine the pain this is bringing to so many people there. My prayers are with those folks, and all the brave fire fighters who are in this battle. djt
Fires in California and flooding in West Virginia - prayers to all those affected. Your images are beautiful. I remember when we had fires here in CO and the images were so colorful. Sad that it takes a tragedy to get these shots. Good work.
Living in California means sooner of later the temperatures soar and the wildfires start. While I can accept, on one level, when the ignition is due to a force of nature, I cannot in any way, fathom why individuals start brush fires? For the sick feelings they get seeing "what they've done?" The 2009 Station Fire, set by arson, burned most of the Angeles National Forest right next to where I lived. It still hasn't completely recovered.
I want to thank everyone for looking and commenting. This is the 2nd fire I have been able to see from Ridgecrest this fire season, there was the Chimney fire about 2 weeks ago, not near as destructive, it burned just over 1300 acres. I think it is going to be a long hot summer. As for brush/forest fires, if I can see it from my house, that is close enough. I do not like LOOKY LOOS on an emergency scene.
Cliff
These are beautiful shots, Cliff, but it's sooooo sad about those fires.
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