The picture with the airplane flying (what looks to be) just feet from a home, is absolutely incredible.

My prayers go out to those who's homes are in danger...

whoa. great collection of photos.

In the sixth photo, the synthesis of a tired man who puts his life in danger in order to save that of the others.

www.davidlatache.com

I'm standing in the evacuation area of the Gap Fire (santa barbara, ca) right now. It seems to be dying down a little bit, but the smoke is still pretty heavy.

I snapped off a few pictures while I had the chance to not be packing. http://picasaweb.google.com/keithamajig/GapFire

Absolutely amazing! THANKS! Our prayers are with the Firefighters who are working so hard and giving so much. Also our prayers are with the families of the homes threatened.

RevTim www.RevTimThinks.com

Great collection of images, I have visited Big Sur twice in recent years and loved the area. I hate to think of the damage being caused by the wildfires. I love the contract of the fireman taking a drink while enjoying what should be a grand view but instead is marred by the smoke of a fire (image 8).

The other image that gets my attention is the one of the fireplane and the house. Looks like the folks on the deck could reach out and touch the wingtips.

Wow, AMAZing and utterly startling.

Wow! Such powerful images. Bless you all.

Great photo series Alan, thanks for hilighting whats going on in CA. Each morning I get up and check the wildfire maps, but the photos are amazing.

Oh! great pictures!

Alex
http://www.recentnews.co.uk

Wow, these are amazing. David McNew has a fantastic eye judging from his shots. I love the first one, and the shot of the helicopter in the smoke, the sense of scale in that shot just emphasises the enormity of the task these fire fighters are facing.

Good luck to everyone involved.

...just unbelievable.I pray for those people and fire fighters

Calfornia can stop being on fire now...

These photos are astounding. They show what the firemen are actually doing. What courage they have and daring to fight these out of control fires.

Wow. What a situation out there. Great photos

Great blog, great pictures, crappy comments from people just pushing their own blog(s).

http://lame.ness

What? Where are the bozos who hijack every TBP photo collection to babble/argue about God, politics, Bush, Iraq, France, race, and/or staged moon landings, etc.?? Nice to see a set of photos that simply inspires sympathy and compassion for the situation these people are in.

To the families, keep the faith and stay positive. But don't be a hero with a garden hose - know when to go.

To the firefighters, give it hell !!

Thanks Zippy My thoughts exactly!! : )

Incredible photography!

Let's make it a point to not only thank a soldier (they certainly deserve it), but next time, or ANY time you cross paths with a fireman, shake his or her hand and say "thank you". These people risk their lives, and they do one helluva job. We hear much about what has burned, but little about what they've saved.

Thanks guys and gals. Keep up the good work.

Is there any chance we are not providing real forest management before these fires start? Why can't we thin and clear and make healty forests before they burn?
I applaude all the brave and hard working fire fighters; thank you all and may God bless and keep you all safe in your hours of work.

I want to go help. How do I?

wow what amazing set of image that are posted here. I applaud all the brave men and women that putting their lives in danger to fight these fires, and also the fine work that the photographers are doing to gives us these images
God bless,take care and be safe

Incredible photos and efforts of all the fire personnel. May God bless and comfort those who have lost everything and keep everyone safe.

Wes,
these fires are mostly the result of lighting storms. Not that much can be done in preparation for those forests in the dry areas of CA.

ya these are some amazing pictures, i live in the napa valley, and remember i think last week everything here was smokey. i also remember seeing the start of a fire while driving to napa, it was a really scary sight, seeing as it was really close to were we where. But hope goes out to everyone that are either helping fight the fires, or who are having to leave because of the fires. And keep doing your best!!

God Bless you all esp. the firefighters. Stay safe. I do wonder about the comment from No.20 Wes, the years of mismanagement on not getting trees out and perhaps we get carried away "saving the forest", keep hearing that comment. Anyway, continued Blessings on all! Incredible pics.

bravery to the fullest degree...there are no words...just lots of prayers and gratitude forever.

amazing photos. My heart goes out to everyone over there and what of the poor birds and animals. Thank god for the firefighters.

Awesome photos of a sad emergency - hope the fires go out soon.

What courage,Every man/woman involved are true hero;s

I live right in the middle of California and it has been crazy with these fires. My town has already had a few small fires but it's mostly the neighboring towns being struck by lightening that has been turning in to the big fires.

Last week, I would walk outside daily and could not make out the sun due to all the smoke.

It's been unusual not seeing the sun during summertime in California.

Grâce à ceux qui luttent contre les feux de forêt.

Mathieu

What an amazing pictures.

Pascal

Brussels firefighterphotgrapher

www.pvigneron.com

Thank you for putting up these pictures. They are terrific. California outdoors always has a spot in my heart. Wouldn't it be nice if things were more even across the country. One place is burning and another is drowning.

My prayers go out to all our brave firefighters. Amazing photos!

I live in Singapore. I was sent these images by my sister who lives on CA. I am just amazed at the power of these pictures. Can I say they are beautiful? Awesome!
Paul Kohl
PS I teach photography...

Thanks for posing these photos. I live on West Camino Cielo in Santa Barbara and have been away from the house since the 30th of June. After finding out about the fire, I have been unable to return to our house do to Mandatory Evacuation orders. These pictures make me relise why they don't want us back up there.
All thoughts and prayers that go out to those fighting the fires in California are greatfully appreciated.

Mahalo,
http://myspace.com/jlpinsb http://picasaweb.google.com/jeffparkerinsb

Alan,

Once again a superb selection of outstanding images made all the more spectacular by being able to see the details in the large images.

My heart goes out to all those California folks affected by that fire. Also all the little animals. May God take pity on them all and grant them peace.

Just a couple of minor corrections to two captions...

In the first photo of a helicopter, it's a Navy or Marine Corps (most likely Marine Corps) H-46 helicopter, which looks similar to the Army (and National Guard) H-47. Easy to mistake the two.

In the photo with two helicopters dipping water from the ocean, those are H-53 Sea Stallions, most likely also Marine Corps (possibly Navy).

Best wishes to the residents of NoCal -- hang in there!

I am awe-struck,by these people that fight the demon fires! These fire-fighters are angels,putting their lives on the line to save the desperate.Prayers for everyone in California.

Posted by Susan July 8. 10:51am

I pray for the safety of the brave firefighters and residents involved in these fires. Thank you for the amazing photos, they really show us the tragedy andwhat it is like there.

Wow ! It's amazing !

Al-Kanz
http://al-kanz.org

Got to hand it to the person who took these shots, for it says it all. What happened to fuel reductions, do we blame the environmentalists? do we cast blame on the home owners for not taking procutions around their home land, yet when they loose their home they are the first to point a finger, yet these men and women who love their job, as I am married to a retiree who has put his life as well as his crew on the line in order to save land, homes, and people. You want to do a survey of the earnings that these fire fighters make, do it, as it is not deserving of the time and effort they put forth in fighting wildland fires. God bless them all we will keep you in our prayers, and hope you return home safe to your families. There have been some who will not be doing so as they have passed on due to fire related injuries but their spirit lingers on and our prayers go out to their families

Just want to give a very big Thank You to all the Firefighters for unselfish dedication in saving so many Family homes. God Bless all the Firefighters & the many Families who had to be evacuated. Hugs to all of them. Also the photos are amazing.

tHANKS FOR THE PICTURES BRINGS BACK MANY MEMORIES

These are such beautiful pictures of a horiffic event. God bless the people in these areas. God be with them and the firefighters also.

I live in Southern Oregon, and the smoke coming over the Siskiyou Mountains has settled densely in the Rogue Valley. No more will I complain about my stinging eyes or the ache in my lungs! These photos are vivid testimony to the destructive force of nature, man's determination to protect and preserve, and imparts a sense of loss in all of us.

THANK YOU to all you firefighters who exhaust yourselves, over difficult terrain and in intense heat, to fight these raging fires....you battle not only for our lives and homes, but for our precious land and wildlife as well. May God be with you.

I admire firefighters more than any other profession. What WOULD we do without them?

I pray for everyone involved, including firefighters and the people who live there, that the fires will be contained soon and everyone can return to their homes. It takes a special person to be able to do what those firefighters are doing.

I don't know the answer to questions involving fuel reductions. I do know that for eons our wildlands naturally burned off accumulating fuel. Today we have people living in in these areas. I wish I knew the answer. To see our beautiful wildlands ablaze, and have to see and breathe the horrid air is disgusting. My heart goes out to those who've lost homes and continue to be threatned. And to all the firefighters who come from all over the country to lay their lives on the line - Thanks, and God Bless!!

I was a volunteer Fireman for my city for 23 years and a Police Officer for 33 years. I have seen big fires before but, I have never seen a fire scenes with this intensity. God Bless my brother firefighters. True heros these people are. They say the bravest run towards a fire ---normal people run from a fire.

Wow, just plain wow, what else can you say. Best of the best to those firefighters.
Wow

God Bless all those fighting these horrific fires. My prayers are with all the home owners also. I hope all of these fires will all be contained soon.

The C-10 Jet conversions are definitely a great idea. I pray for everyone who is involved in this fight for preservation of our forests and in the way of life as well. My heart goes out to those firefighters for their couragous and selfless acts of kindness. My brother is a Firefighter paramedic in Florida, I have great respect for you all! God Bless!

Pray for our Fire Fighters! They are tired and working 24 hour shifts in horrible conditions. My cousin is a Fire Fighter. I pray he comes home safe to his wife and kids. Resources are thin and these brave souls are burnt out!!. Yet..they keep working & working to protect us all. We no longer have a Fire Season. It's a danger all year round in California.

I just moved from Santa Barbara 1 yr. ago and still recall the Painted Cave fire some 15 plus yrs. ago.................I know some of you say these are "awesome" pictures but as an ER/OR nurse for 30 yrs.................do not forget the firemen who are literally putting their lives on the line w/worried families at home..............and do not forget the loss of homes,animals...................yrs. of people getting their lives back together w/such a devastation...................yes the photos are amazing........and they are showing wht is REALLY happening in the lives of many..................be thankful you are not evacuating your family tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kathy/now in colorado Springs,CO.

What can one say in the sight of such bravery. My parents were evacuated from the Martin fire in santa cruz county and I know that it is people like those pictured here to whom we owe... a great deal. thank you are two insufficient little words.

Someone help us "inland people" better understand the situation. Seems that every year and then the next year and the next one after that we hear about "fires in California" ---- to the point that I almost think that 175% of ALL of California has been burned the past five years. I am sure that is not true... but for those of use who really don't know California, how is it that California year-in and year-out can have fires? I noticed a photo somewhere that showed a house with a sprinkler system on the top of it and water being pumped onto the roof--- is that a common practice? ..... folks in Missouri and Iowa sure would like to send yawl some water.. a week ago small Amish community in north Missouri got 8.75 inches of rain over night.

The pictures are incredible, and I am in awe of those heroic firefighters who risk their lives daily to save people, animals, homes, and nature. You have my profound respect and admiration!

May Gpd B;ess all the firefiighters - ground crews, pilots, bulldozer operators, - EVERONE. I pray every day for their safety and success in containing the fires. GOD SAVE THEM, and give them courage. "Thank you" from all Californians.

Great photos - and, considering the location, it's essential to fight the fires. However, while compiling material for True North: Exploring the Great Wilderness by Bush Plane, I flew for years over and around forest fires in the Canadian provinces that the governement now wisely ignores unless communities are threatened, later writing, " Norway House hangs on. Its schools, hospital and homes somehow survived a plague of forest fires that hopscotched through town in 1989. In that year alone, eleven hundred fires incinerated more than nineteen hundred square miles of forest, a comeuppance, perhaps, for years of extinguishing every little blaze, which stockpiled wood for ’89, the year of the megaburn.

May God Almighty stand with these men and women - the pictures are totally amazing, but the reality is horrifying...I sure wouldn't want my husband going thru a hell like this. There are no words to thank these men enough for what they do - God Bless them all "real good"!

I watch these spectacular photos with tears in my eyes as I know all these areas and my very favorite place in the world is Big Sur. God bless all our firefighters and the people who's homes are in danger. Also bless the pilots of the aircraft fighting the fire---they also have a very dangerous job. God bless and keep you all safe. P.S. #31 Tabitha---wasn't it sad that your biggest problem was you couldn't see the sun!

I send a Prayer Message to about 45 people every day, and the California fires, along with the safety of the firefighters are always on my list. We pray daily for the brave heroes who put their lives on the line every day. GOD BLESS!

Both my son,s are fire fighters my thoughts and prayers go out to all mums and dad,s. Good luck Guy,s & Gal,s you are doing a great job. Love and best wishes from Adelaide South Australia.

The photos are devastatingly beautiful.....we are so blessed not to have this in our backyard. will be praying for all those involved.

WOW!!! These photos are truly amazing! My son is a firefighter and was at the Basin Complex Fire in Big Sur for the last 2 weeks. He returned home safely today. These photos hit me hard as I have prayed everyday for his safe return and continue to pray for all of the other firefighters and those affected by the fires. Thank God we have these firefighters, along with our soldiers, who are willing to risk their lives in order to save others. God Bless!

These guys are amazing....they put thier lives on the line to save lives and homes.
Its simply amazing to see the photo's and what great pictures of the p-3 orion
flying by the home on top of the mountain. God bless and protect those firefighters.

As a (retired) firefighter from the East Coast I have the up-most respect for my brothers and sisters out west. We have natural cover fires here and a wildland/urban interface problem but it is no where what these people have. A tip of the old tin helmet to you guys!

outstanding photo's....and some really hard work...my heart goes out to my sisters and brothers on the line...

WE ARE WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS!!!!

MJP
UNITED STATES WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION

\

Thank you all you wonderful people who are helping fight these fires! May God bless you and all the people who have lost their homes. Lots of prayers are being said for all of you!!!!

"What courage,Every man/woman involved are true hero;s"

I wish people would just STOP overusing the word hero. Applying it to every tom, dick and harry just totally besmirches the actions of true heroes...you know the kind who deliver extraordinary feats of courage and wish to not be fawned over. These firefighters are brave, no doubt, but they hardly run the risk of a building collapsing on them. Every single human on earth faces some danger everyday whether it be the risk of getting run over, electrocuted, drowned, dropped down a gully, infected by a deadly disease, whatever. Are you going to call the whole population of the planet heroes?? Come on!
Heroes are exceptional people who display UNCOMMON valour. Manning a hose or driving a truck does not constitute this behaviour.

The men and women fighting this fire are very special and will be rewarded for their efforts. It is hard for me to fathom such a disaster. Especially when I am injoying rain.

My prayers goes out to all the incredible firefighters who are fighting this battle....
also to the people of California whose lives have been altered, you have my silent prayers as I watch the news each day.

My prayers that God will bring you abundant rain to save what natural beauty remains.

may god be with those firefighters and homeowners in the line of danger.

I was a volunteer fireman for 20 years and I know how bad
some fires can be. But I never experienced any like this.
God bless those who risking their lives to try to save lives and the
homes of those people.

MAY GOD BLESS ALL & ANSWER OUR PRAYERS FOR RAIN.. GREAT
PICTURES.

I send my greetings to brave fire fighters
god bless
**==

great pictures! better than a radio news feature. God bless all those fire fighters and poloicemen.

To the men and women that are on the front lines and in the back ground trying ,your up most to handle these endless task my hemelt is of to you all.Stay strong and get some rest for this looks like a record setting fire season out west. The pictures are strong and emotional to me. The battle lines are all over the place and the enemy is the strong winds,dry fuels and the topography. I am a firefighter in a different part of the county and we to have wildland fires but not like out west. I do have a questiion for command leadership way can`t we use the Regular ARM Forces to assit our forces in this job. Keep safe and keep kicking ass.

Wow!

I remember well working as a volunteer firefighter while living in Sonoma County. Those suits are unbelievably hot. I only did a very short time brush clearing and trench digging and was exhausted. I can't imagine how these people work 24 hours and longer. Thanks to them all.

Hope they don't scoop a deep sea diver out of the Ocean while dipping their buckets for water.. OMG

Magnificent photos, but always sad to see such damage occur in our forests,
and spreading to homes. These are brave men and women and I thank these
people giving of their services so society can continue safely.

can u comment on the fire in shasta/ trinity county ? looking for hayfork ca

The fires were mainly due to a freak lighting storm we had. Whether the forests had been trimmed or not there still would have been fires. There have been fires all over the state, including in spots that are not heavily forested.

Awesome photos. It's hard to believe how much of California has burned this year.

Very Nice Picture

Thanks for the photos, great job on keep the rest of the world up dated as to what is going on out west. We are so blest here in the eastern part of the USA, we have are problems too, but certainly none like this and the flooding that is going on in the midwest.
God bless all who are involved with these terrible disasters, we not only pray for firefighter, police officer, and service men and everyone who risk their lives to make our lives save. God Bless them all and you too for sharing these fantastic pictures, they sure are an eye opener. Posted by Victoria G., from Pgh.Pa.

Whoever put together this incredible series of photos should seriously think of putting together a book that could be sold to benefit the forest fire fighters association. I live in the N. Cal foothills, within a short distance of the Grass Valley fairgrounds, which is a staging area for fire fighters coming in from many different states to help. Both my sons and their families were born in CA and we are all familiar with some of the most beautiful areas in the US, now on fire. My older son and his family were recently evacuated from the Martin fire, northeast of Santa Cruz. We are now in a record-breaking heat wave, predicted to last into the weekend. I fully realize that fire could erupt here any time. This is no time to lament about what could have been done. Many of us do all we can to create defensible space but in many of these rugged areas the forest cannot be managed and nature will always rule. Most of these fires were started by lightening. For weeks prior to the fires I watched the devastation caused by floods in the mid-west and east as well as the tornado damage and felt much sympathy for their suffering. I thought some might even wish they could move to the west coast! Nature is the great equalizer. I have to believe that eventually something good will come out of all this.

It's very cool that people can really see how hard a firefighter can work

Thanks to all the firefighters, we will keep you in our prayers

As a retired CDF Engineer, these photos bring back such fond and terrifying memories. Awesome air show pics!

Absolutely amazing Photos!!!!!God Bless all the firefighters!

I've been looking at pics every morning from Austin, TX. We have lots of friends, and some relatives, who live in these ares. We once lived in Huntington Beach and experienced the Orange County fires in 1993. They were campfires compared to these.

Unfortunately, the Forest Service never has enough money to remove the flammable brush that is the tinder for these huge catastrophes. Big Sur is especially sad. One of our frequent vacation/hiking spots.

These are absolutely the most incredible pictures yet. Kudos to this photographer.

Awesome! Our prayers also go to those directing
efforts to extinguish these fires. Looking
ahead, I do hope that those opposed to letting
the Forestry Dept. thin our forests, learn
from these fires and drop their opposition

I live in Salinas, +/-20 miles from Big Sur as the smoke drifts. Yesterday visibility was about 1 mile totally obscurring the mountains on both sides of the Salinas Valley and this morning the sunrise was pure orange like the photo from Pismo. For those outside of Ca who can't fathom mountains on fire, think of the 'Lord of the Rings' movies when Frodo looks on at Mordor in the distance with the red glow of hell outlining the mountains. When the visibility allows at night, that is the view from my front porch in Salinas of the smoke over Big Sur. This fire has been burning for 2 weeks and is less than 25% contained... Humbling to say the least.

Being in a safe place,It is hard to imagine the impack of all the fire that has spread
through calif. The pictures I have just seen,are very powerful,and has helped me understand how scary and fast fire can travel.
thumbs up to all who help keep us safe and have the mental,and physical strength to do the hard job they do.
McLean

These firefighters (and people like them) are the real heroes of our country - not our dysfunctional governmental Administration (including our Congress)!!! They're probably not even aware of what this unimaginable fire looked like! Of course, not that they'd care!

My prayers are with those fighting the fires as fire fighters and as home owners. These pictures truly show the danger,
May God keep you all safe,
great photography..Thanks from Pa.

Notice
For Anyone : Let's Learn From This !
Location: the web
Type of Notice: Official Notices
Wildfires are among the most pervasive of all the natural disasters, especially for California.
Response time is the one factor that we can control. With this known, the National Interagency Fire Center (N.I.F.C.) is still not measuring or logging the ignition time. You say “So what ? “ Read on !
This response time & the best potential tools aren’t being used to fight WILD FIRES. In simple sense, they are fighting fires with TOYS. We have a cultural problem in this country, which is only going to change when the public demands for the best tools we tax payers have already paid for. Computers, aerial surveillance (looking forward type) & aircraft can be the technology answer. The cost is surprisingly low, because most of it already exists as unrelated tools to various government agencies. The government should be using multi-tasking tools to serve more public needs than as the sole use of a particular agency. A couple examples of tax paid tools that should be used for more tax payer needs, rather than exclusive use of a sole agency is the C-17 (cargo airlifter) & the DSP infrared surveillance satellites. DSP satellites are for the Defense Support Program to warn against hostile missile launches. This infrared system of 18 satellites is ideally suited to detection of wildfires, especially in remote areas. The C-17 is the closest aircraft in our US inventory that is capable of being a purpose built aerial fire-fighting tool. Compare this aircraft to what is presently the best aerial tanker in regular use, which can only deliver 3400 vs. 20,000 gal. The delivery capability is only a small factor in what makes it the best tool. This aircraft can deliver up to 550% & more, suppressant effectively per day than even tanker 910 (DC-10).which isn’t even approved for U.S. government lands. It’s basically on a TRAIL BASIS. To compare it to what is in use or even being evaluated by the U.S.F.S., is like comparing “Fat Albert” to “Michael Jordon”. We can’t rely on government accountability to be their own self critic.

We must do it as a united public, reviewing of or tax dollars effectiveness. Which is one of the reasons why Western Disaster Center (W.D.C.) exists? Our government is a democracy in theory & iconically. One key factor to be a real democracy is education/knowledge. Again, why Western Disaster Center exists.

A study done by W.D.C. on the usage of the largest available aircraft (DC-10), shows that nearly half of the time, these time efficient tools aren’t used until the fire is 50 – 85% thru its burn life. It does appear that aircraft, more so the largest aircraft, are used more for public relations than time efficient tools.

We all have times in life that unfortunate incidents occur & we learn to try to make something good out of a bad, to reduce the pain or find a bigger meaning to why this incident ever crossed our path. Wildfires could just be that for an ever increasing sector of our nation’s population. In fact just the fire hazard threatens 130 million people of the “Wildland Urban Interface” (W.U.I.). The actual number of people it affects is well beyond this. It is a World problem.
W.D.C. has a more detailed knowledge of these subjects & look forward to your participation to a solution to a growing Global problem. I know good things can happen to us if we understand the problems & solve them as a united group. We need to raise the profile of possibilities. How can something this bad --- be good ? Go to
Web- www.westerndisastercenter.org -Stephen Skinner (Director of Wildfire Policy)

Our prayers are with the fire fighters. I have a grandaughter& her husband both firefighters in Chattnooga, Tn.

These fire fighters and our soilders look death in the eye every day and never quit.
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I live in Kern County with the Piute Fire and have friends and family in Santa Barbara with the Gap Fire. We live with our skies orange and grey but those who are out battling these fires are amazing people. They put themselves in the middle of these dangerous storms of flames to same our land and our homes. I thank them from the bottom of my heart and we pray for them every night . All of the fire fighters are someone's son, daughter, husband, father, mother and I have the upmost respect for them.
Be safe,
Lisa from Bakersfield

I am a firefighters wife and, yes, he is gone on the fires again this year. They love their jobs but the fires in CA are starting earlier, lasting longer, and burning more intensely than ever before. Yes, we need better forest management practices. These fires are more destructive to our environment than fuel thinning would be. The air here near Sacramento is smokey and unhealthy to breathe--imagine what it is for firefighters. It was heartening to read all the great comments and the photos are phenomenal-I'll show them to my husband when get gets home whenever that is.

Gods speed to all of you on the California fires. My heart is heavy with worry, my hope is that you will soon get the fires under control and you'll be safe. I lived in California until a year and a half ago and I know the horror fire presents. Thank you
Sue Buman Aurora Missouri

absolutely speechless!

I see lots of well-earned praise for firefighters here but don’t forget about the photojournalists who go deep into these wildfires, often alone, to bring you the images you are talking about.

They are sometimes at greater risk than firefighters, especially when traveling down narrow dead-end dirt roads through deep chaparral brush or thick forests with no visual contact with nearby flames, no communications with firefighters who do, no one to warn them of wind shifts or nearby blow-ups, no ability to call for an airdrop of water or fire retardant on them if they get trapped; only their own experience and whatever knowledge of fire behavior they've been able to glean from firefighters at previous blazes to keep them alive. If fallen trees or flames block their escape route, or their vehicle gets stuck or breaks down, it’s up to them alone to find a safe zone, if one exists, in which to ride the fire out with hopes that they won’t have to deploy a dangerous “shake-and-bake” fire shelter.

Just think, wherever there is a camera, there is probably a person operating it. If it weren’t for that person, we would not see what firefighters are dealing with.

Great photos
Our son is a firefighter from New Hampshire who has been involved with the California fires since July 3, He and his crew are located in the Basin Complex Fire.
His spirits are great and we're very proud of him and all the others involved...
May they come home safe.........

MAY GOD GIVE ALL OF THESE FIREFIGHTERS AND RESIDENTS
THE ABILITY TO ACCEPT THESE TRAGEDIES AND REALIZE
OUR TIME HERE IS UNPREDICTABLE....TIME MARCHES ON..
I PRAY THAT THERE WILL BE RAIN IN THESE AREAS TO HELP
DISTINGUISH THE FIRES.....AND OF COURSE THE WINDS DIE DOWN.
BONNIE

RE: Mssg 37 by Jeff Parker July 8, 08 10:30 AM -

“Thanks for posing these photos. I live on West Camino Cielo in Santa Barbara and have been away from the house since the 30th of June. After finding out about the fire, I have been unable to return to our house do to Mandatory Evacuation orders. These pictures make me relise why they don't want us back up there.”

I happen to know that the first and fifth pictures were taken on West Camino Cielo where firefighters were building a line of defense for your home and your neighbors’.

From a distance, it can be hard to see the danger of the situation and it must be especially difficult to be under mandatory evacuation for so long. It is a better situation though than what happened to your area during the 1990 Painted Cave Fire which simply swept over the land and quickly destroyed 621 structures and killed one person.

It’s good to know that you have the help of not only the many fire agencies that are working hard but also the inmate hand crews that are working so very hard to cut fire lines over there. Even inmates can be heroes to a homeowner.

Good luck to you. I hope you on your way home now.

My prayers go out to all the people who have lost everything.

My son is working ground support at the Piute fire. I just spoke to him and he was giving me all the details. I couldn't understand the magnitude of those details until I saw the incredible pictures. Bless his heart and all of the other ground supporter and firefighters. You are in my prayers!

Fantastic photos. God bless alll the firefighters and keep them safe.

Western forests ecosystems require fire. Seeds of many native western plant species can't even germinate unless burned first. As was said above, the curren fires were started by dry lightening storms. If wildfires could be left to burn every year, there would be little underbrush and the tree crowns would seldom burn. The ecosystem certainly would not be harmed. The problem is that dams, power lines, roads, homes, and businesses occupy parts of this ecosystem. Firefighters work to protect these human artifacts, and their bravery and skill is monumental and admirable. More attention to building and maintaining human artifacts to accomodate these fires would minimize the damage and need for extensive fire fighting.

I can't believe the magnificent beauty in the tragic scenes ... thank you for showing us the real people and their real to life situations which I hope I will never experience.

Actually the two helos dipping water out of the ocean are Navy. they are SH-60's. The twin rotor helo is a sea stallion also Navy. I am Navy. It would be really great if you could correct that it says National Guard. Navy has helped out a few times before with wildfires. (Every sailor is a firefighter!)

Great looking pictures. I still remember the big one in 2003.

The beauty, devastation, devotion of the fire fighters, and amazing shots of the aircraft leave me practically wordless. Bless the firefighters.

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our thoughts & Prayers are with ALL the firefighters, volunteers & residents.

Harold & Dee Minter
Symsonia, KY.

No way to match or top these comments.
OUR GOD is still in control - no matter what or who started all this.............. He is in control over all -- REALLY. Pray for His intervention to stop it all (as he calmed the sea). Peace Be Still. Jean Newby

Does anyone know if Los Angeles is under smoke-watch? I am starting to worry... The pictures are amazing by the way.

Our fire department has sent strike teams in to help provide some relief to the exhausted firefighters battling some of these blazes. All of these guys are working very hard under unimaginsble conditions. Our prayers and thoughts go out to everyone involved.

The whole church is praying for a heavy shower to put off the fire.
During early morning prayer I received a vision of heavy rain.
We will have heavy rain.

I am the wife of a California aerial applicator (crop duster) and we are currently rallying to assist with the fires. These men have aircraft that are currently grounded because they are in-between crop seasons. They are highly qualified pilots who make their living flying in very dangerous conditions (low flying-around hazardous obstacles). Many of them have and do fly for the forestry service during fire season, therefore, they are qualified for such tasks.

Why aren't they and their aircraft out there fighting these fires??????

Easy answer... politics! These men have approached the California legislature and most importantly, the Gov-en-nator.. ARNOLD.... and for some reason which is not comprehensible to me, they are being ignored!

Folks, these men are wanting to help! They are offering their services and their aircraft, free of charge! They just want to assist and God knows, they are qualified!

It disgusts me that politics are getting in the way of saving land and structures and ultimately, lives. Please, stand together. I'm not certain what can be done, but if you have a voice, let it be heard! Get these "already-equipped" aircraft and brave pilots in the air!

Praise to everyone who is out there fighting these fires, to the unlucky people who have lost everything and to the men and women who are watching from the side-lines with their hands tied!!!!!!

THANKS goes out to all the firemen that worked and are still working on keeping our homes and land safe. GOD be with you all and your familes.

GOD BLESS EVERYONE IN THIS AREA . I PRAY GOD WILL PUT HIS LOVING ARMS AROUND EVERYONE .

FANTASTRIC PHOTOS - FANTASTIC FIRE FIGHTERS

These Photos show a Painfully clear reality of this sad,sad situation.
I could almost smell the smoke and feel the Fire.on my skin.
They truly look like,what I imagine HELL would be.

God Bless The Frontline firefighters , The folks that have lost their homes
and the helpless domestic animals & wildlife.

I will also pray for a hard heavy RAIN for you folks.
GOD SPEED

It is so hard to believe that something so distructive can look so beautiful in photos. As California hill dwellers, our prayers are continuing for all those in harms way. God grant the firemen the strength to carry on.

These people are doing a great job in trying to control fires. Many of them risk injury, poison oak problems and dangerous bug bits. Some of these young men leave their late term pregnant wife to fight these fires. My hat is off to these brave young people

Thanks be to God for the strength and energy and commitment of these firefighters who risk their lives to protect homes and families and wildlife from the scourge of wildfires. More of our National Guard should be home to help the fight, instead of overseas protecting others from danger. My prayers are with all workers in firefighting and related support fields--God bless and keep you safe from harm.

GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIERS AND OUR FIREFIGHTERS. EACH AND EVERY ONE. THE PHOTOS ARE AWSOME! ON SOME OF THE PREVIOUS LETTERS, WE NEED TO MAINTAIN OUR FORESTS ALOT BETTER. IF WE HAVE CROP DUSTER PILOTS, WHY ARE THEY BEING IGNORED? THERE ARE ALOT OF FIREMEN COMING IN FROM OTHER STATES TO HELP. THANK YOU, THANK YOU,AND GOD BLESS.

Great pictures. Hope all will be over soon. God bless all the firefighters and all
people involved in this crisis. May God shelter everybody. We don't know how these would feel until you have been there. San Diego had been through this hell as well. Prayers for all.

specatular images.....and very courageous men & women who risk everything!

In response to #73. Are you crazy? These firefighters, pilots and all involved in putting out our CA wildfire are HEROS!!! no doubt about it. I live in Los Olivos, CA and last year when the Zaca fire burned for 3 months, I saw these Heros everyday, as I live within 5 miles of their command post. It makes me sick to think anyone would think the fire crews are not HEROS. So, they might not be where a building could fall in on them, they face trees (very tall trees) that can blow up in a heartbeat, underbrush that can sweep through in seconds and destroy everything in sight, and very INTENSE heat. I hope you never have to experience a forest fire burning close to your home, if you did, you would truly understand what HEROS these men and women are. The building might not fall on them, but the extreme heat they face is HELL itself. Imagine 100 degree weather, being in the middle of flames in a heavy firesafe suit, that adds even more heat it must feel like like hell. Heat exhaustion, dehydration, heat stroke are all risks they take.
Yes, every day we all face horrific dangers, that's life sweety. But to have a job as a firefighter goes above and beyond. Jackie, I hope you rethink what you said in your post.
I am greatful always to know that at a moments notice there are brave men and women who are there to save our land, homes and lives. God Bless them.

Lets all pray for rain!

We are so lucky to have these brave men and women doing this very difficult, and dangerous task , thanks so much from all us .

FANTASTIC PICS All you firefighters are my heroes

we are dumbfound watching the pictures,we pray God for his mercy and help the fire fighters in their mission, for unless the lord keeps the watch the watch men efforts are in vain.

Where we live, near Grass Valley, we get the smoke, a minor inconvenience compared to the hell these men and women are experiencing...our prayers are with them and those who homes are threatened, and those who have lost their homes as well.

We pray for a downpour of rain, but we submit to the Lord's will.

These brave firefighters need our prayers and support, and I agree with Fred Year in his post above, what will help most is for all of us to pray for rain. Though it is not the rainy season for CA prayer brings on God's miracles.

Breathtaking depiction of nature fighting for its life.....Our contries firefighters
who risk their lives everyday should be applauded for the effort they put forth;For
they are true heroes...

Incredible photos of bravery and dedication in the American spirit of helping your fellow man. Northern California has been on fire since the middle of June, it is truly a humbling experience to see fire fighters from Los Angeles, Fresno and Orange County traveling through Orland to help in Butte, Lassen, and Shasta counties. Coming from a town where our fire department is entirely volunteer, we appreciate help from outside the area. On the Fourth of July our main highway was lined with a mile of American flags, it was heartwarming to see five trucks from Orange County passing through on their way back to the fires down south. Although we have been subject to a change in the wind,and homes evacuated two weeks ago are now facing emergency evacuations again, we know if helped is needed those same dedicated fire fighters will once again come to our aid. God Bless you all.
On a lighter note, while shopping in Costco in Chico, California, today a group of firefighters with an afternoon off to relax and recoup, all seven of them were in line to purchase swimming trunks to utilize the swimming pool at the motel they were housed in. Shoppers, many of whom were wearing face masks from the ash thanked the young men for helping save homes and businesses in the hills and valleys around Butte County. With temperatures over 100 degrees for the past week, here's hoping they enjoyed the pool in their new suits. Words can not express the appreciation the residents in the north state owe these young men and women. Thank you

Hey, #73...in wildfires, as in war, death and worse usually come suddenly and linger. Place a fingertip on a candle flame for a little wake-up call.

Ref to comment 117 and correction on two pictures. The 2 helicpopters dipping out of the ocean are Marine CH-53E helicopters. I was the aircraft commander for the one on the left that day and that is my Marines flying those planes. Also the one of the twin rotor helicopter barely visible in the smoke is a Marine CH-46E. The Marines deployed from Southern California with literally one day's notice to help the firefighters in Norther California. It would be nice to give these Marines the proper recognition they deserve. We also worked with 2 Navy SH-60R helicopters, making the total 9 just at the base we were supporting out of. Not all helo's are National Guard. Just trying to get the facts straight.

These pictures are really telling the story!! We also have HEROS up in Northern Ca. too. They are on the lines fighting and protecting us all. Our prayers go to all involved for their safety and GOD BLESS ONE AND ALL. Thanks to all for your hard work!!

God speed all you brave souls involved with defending our beautiful state!

My, my to see the full extent of the power of God. What wonderful awsome pictures. I pray that cooler weather and some rain will come to relieve these brave souls that are working so tirelessly to save loves and homes and our wonderful forests. Thank you to all of you that are helping even in a small way and may God give you strengh in your endevours.

First of all, thanks for transmitting this collage, Eric Van Leeuwen! Although very imrpressive, these series could havec been made in places all over the planet. We here in urope are witnesses of fires of same caliber in Portugal, france, Italy etc.
Jos van Leeuwen, The Netherlands

I live in South Australia, which is the driest state in the driest continent on earth. We're no strangers to devastating bushfires (wildfires, as you Americans call them), and because of this, I echo the praise and thanks given to the NoCal firefighters by everyone on this thread. You have pines, we have eucalypts, which go up like matches, especially in times of drought. In the past, Aussie firefighters have helped out in the US, and, likewise, American and Canadian firefighting aircraft and personnel have helped us too. Good ol' Elvis and the Canadairs!

I also completely agree with Sandy's comments on Jackie's post. Fire is the most utterly destructive and devastating force we can encounter. All praise and credit to the boys and girls putting their lives on the line to help and save their countrymen. Greater love hath no man ...

First of all - THANK GOD WE HAVE THESE BRAVE FIREFIGHTERS, VOLUNTEERS, HOMEOWNERS AND YES, EVEN THE INMATES, TO FIGHT THESE HORRIFIC FIRES IN SUCH INTENSE HEAT AND FOR SUCH ONGOING, EXTREMELY LONG HOURS!!! MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP ALL OF YOU SAFE!!!

T0 those whose homes have been lost - MAY GOD ALWAYS BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE YOUR DEVASTATION!! I AM SO VERY SORRY!! OF COURSE, YOUR LIVES COME FIRST, BUT TO LOSE ALL OF YOUR FAMILY PICTURES AND HEIRLOOMS, ETC, IS HEARTWRENCHING! PRAY THAT THESE FIRES ARE STOPPED AND THAT YOU CAN TRY TO PICK UP WHAT IS LEFT OF YOUR LIVES. SO EXTREMELY HARD AND SO VERY SAD!

THE PICTURES ARE ABSOLUTELY AMAZING...... SO AWESOME!!!!

Last, but certainly not least -IN RESPONSE TO JACKIE, #73, YOU DISGUST ME WITH YOUR COMPLETE AND TOTAL IGNORANCE!!!! YOUR HEAD IS SO FAR UP YOUR HIGH AND MIGHTY ASS, YOU BETTER PRAY DAMN HARD THAT YOUR OWN HOME NEVER CATCHES ON FIRE. REMEMBER - WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND!!!

I admire firefighters more than any other profession

Right when we think we have it bad, somewhere else has it worst. God Bless All who are having to deal with this on a day to day basis.

BAH BAH
VERY BEAUTIFUL

Our prayers go out to all the firefighters and the residents.

The pictures were very well done and gives a good scope to one who lived near
Snta Barbara years ago,Ventura counry. Thanks for posting the pictures for one who has relatives living near some of the places near th fires. Troy Seedig

My,. What wonderful awsome pictures. I pray that cooler weather and some rain will come to relieve these brave souls that are working so tirelessly to save loves and homes and our wonderful forests. Thank you to all of you that are helping even in a small way and may God give you strengh . We have been to Big Sir many times and have admired the beauty God has put there for us, now we have to pray for all of these fires to end. Again God Bless all those brave people who are trying so hard

Between the earthquakes, fires, mudslides, heat in Ca.--well, I'm just glad I live in the midwest!
BUT a big BRAVO/GOD BLESS to those who live, work, and cherish, the state.It IS beautiful! BUT Nature is surely the equalizer, as was mentioned--remember the old saying "You can't fool Mother Nature"? Perhaps Ca. should learn a lesson from us here in the Miss. Valley----if you build in a flood plain, you will be flooded! SO If you live where the danger of fire is probable--don't live there! By doing so, you endanger the lives of those who are protecting something that should'nt have been there in the first place! Is that fair?
God Bless all of you!

To all of you involved in the fires you have my sympathies, as we in Australia can relate to the fires you are having, and some of us are on their way to help out.

Good luck to all,

Thank you for the amazing photographs.

And to Steve Stricklin of the Plumas County Hot Shots - We haven't heard from you since you called from the front lines of a fire on Father's Day. Just know that we love you and pray for you every day, as you do the job you so dearly love. Call when you can.

Love and hugs from your sister in Texas.

These photos send a chill down my spine of the sadness of the destructuion of the beautiful redwoods who have been through so many threats to life, but this is taking many . The firefighters are absolutely selfless in their determination and dedication to saving whatever is possible.

Thank You!!!!

My heart goes to these brave men, their families and to those that are in danger of loosing their homes.
I pray for all of you that are suffering because of the fires.
I pray to God to take care of every single firefigther, for those that are on the ground and the ones flying planes, choppers, etc. I thank God for all of you figthers that had come from so far. Thank you for coming to help. May our God Lord protect you all from the flames and smoke.
Bless you all and your families!!
I live in Central California, I am bless but I am hurting with all of you!
I pray to God for a special blessing to our heroes, because that is what you all are!!
Our soldiers are fitghting in the middle east but you are fighting here in California.

We are so proud of you!!! Our Heroes!!!

I was awestruck. So many people involved, not just firefighters. God Bless them all.

These photos brought back many memories of my summer college days when I worked for the Forest Service fighting wild fires. These memories included the well-known cause of these wild fires--many years of preventing fires, allowing the brush to build to point that when it does burn at high heat, jumps from the brush to the trees becoming a holocaust. Also, though I would like to live in the forest, it's insane to build a house totally surround by forest. These issues have been known for at least 50 years, but we stick our head in the sand and spent millions each year while we let the situation get worse. The picture of the borate boomer dropping it load next to a threatened house really made me mad. Not to pick on one unfortunate home owner, but why would anyone let brush build up around their house like this and not onlu put their own family in dannger but indanger many others.

Should we re-think our opinion on thinning and logging in the forest? I can't help but wonder if the fires could have been more managable. Logging roads and stumps would be better than sterile black ash with no wildlife!

Great pics!! My heart goes out to those people who have lost their homes and for all the fire fighters!!! Know about fires! In 1998 we too had fires in Palm Coast ,Fl.

Wow, absolutely incredible pictures! I'm up here in Northern California and the smoke and smell of burnt wood has become a constant companion for weeks now. It is a very scary time indeed, and I am ever so grateful to all the firefighters who work so hard to keep us safe.
I believe there should be way more paid firefighters throughout California. My hat's off to all the volunteers and I don't know what all of us here in Mendocino County would have done without them. I think they should all get paid really well for the extremely hard work they have done and continue to do.

I

Brave American acts of courage, dedication and most of all faith, may GOD BLESS THEM ALL

In response to #73---- I am a retired fire captain from Dallas and I can speak from experience to the risks all firefighters take. These brave firefighters in California deserve the highest honor for laying their lives on the line. I never considered myself a hero...just doing the job that I enjoyed doing....trying to save lives and property. These firefighters that are fighting the fires in California are what I would consider heros, just like those who are on the battlefields in war risking their lives and many being wounded and others giving the ultimate sacrifice for others to enjoy freedom. May God bless all of our military, police and firefighters, and may we all keep them all in our prayers.
Oh by the way, #103 many photographers do take great risks also covering dangerous assignments but for a different reason than the military personnel, police, and firefighters. Also they are not allowed into these dangerous situations
unless accompanied with professionals. The photographers are not freelancing without protection as you suggest. What about tornado chasers?

My prayers and devotion of braverly go out to the firefighters and, all those involve in doing everything then can do and putting their lives up front to save lives and homes. These are the men and women that I salute my hat to and would say that is a man and a woman. May you are watched over and I lid a casndle for all of you and the people whose home are in the middle of the fires.

As the wife of recently retired Cal-fire Chief, I know the toll that fires take on both those fighting them and ther families at home, not to mention those who lose their homes from the devastating fires! My son, and my two nephews are also currently with Cal-fire. God help us all to tame this fire-beast that is intent on consuming not only land, but people too. I hope the real impact of the pictures goes deeper than 'awesome photos' and hits us all where we will pray like never before. .. God help us!

Some California weather facts: It simply doesn't rain here in the summer. We will get out of this with some combination of the following: marine fog for the coastal fires, wind direction changes for the others that will turn them back on themselves, fires running out of fuel, lower temperatures, and higher humidity.

Previous posters have alluded to the decades of fire suppression. That is certainly part of our problem. But the forests are too huge to be thinned by people -- we have thousands of square miles even after all these fires. Nature will have to do it the first time. The Forest Service now has better policies -- some fires are left to burn if they don't affect people or property, defensible areas around homes, etc.

What a total disaster! Let's hope the firefighters, families along the way, and all the animals in these areas find havens to protect themselves. Hopefully, the weather will provide enough moisture and less winds, so that there will be some control possible shortly. Thanks to all those involved in trying to curtail all the damage.
Visited in California 2 days ago and saw it from the sky (in the airplane). It really looks overwhelming.