In It!

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Comment by Robert P. Meyer Jr. on January 21, 2011 at 12:20pm

There have been several major fires up here like you're describing.  There were a couple that dvasted whole counties and all the little towns within them.  A lot of the reason for them wa uncontrolled slash piling up fromthe lgging industry.  They're much more careful these days.

  You're right about the just showing up thing with most fire departments.  I ALWAYS ask first whenever I'm shooting in or around anybody's private property or activities (i.e. stores, lots, historic buildings, etc.)  I was extremely fortunate to be able to shoot these guys in action and for a whole day too!   Sometimes the powers what be just smile their little smile and hand you things.  It's nice to recognize that when it happens.

Comment by Sheree on January 21, 2011 at 11:29am

Two things come to mind.  One, wasn't there an incredibly huge fire in northern Wisconsin many years ago that devastated much of the area?  I have a vague remembrance of reading something the first time I went up to that area.

The other thing is, down here there aren't so many volunteer depts and you have to be really careful where you show up with a camera lest someone automatically assume you're out to do the "city" an injustice or something!!  I'd LOVE to be around to shoot some of the calls but it's just not accepted.

I have more than the greatest respect for what fire depts do since becoming personally acquainted with one.  And while my son spends more time as a trainer and on the medic, I still hear all the stories and it often scares the hell out of me for them!!  He is lucky to be in a top-notch organization where they don't allow the guys to get fat or fail.  Those volunteer guys get a bad rap and not nearly enough pay and recognition!!

I've checked out the other shots, but this is still my favorite.  I'm bookmarking the other link as well.

THANKS!!

Comment by Robert P. Meyer Jr. on January 21, 2011 at 9:42am

Thanks, Sheree!  This is from my fire series and I was able to take this shot while documenting a controlled burn for a friend of mine who is a trainer for volunteer fire depts. here in the northwoods of Wisconsin.  I have other fire shots posted here on Wiffledust that are pretty intense too.  The fire shots themselves can be quite uncomfortable, but the ones with firefighters actually in them will hit you where you live. You might check out my photo entitled "Fighter". I also post and sell on redbubble.com/people/frogwithwings, but prefer the friendlier, more personal environment which Lisa has made here on Wiffledust.  Firefighters are the absolute heroes of our culture and I have many of them and their family members buy my work and I thank them.

Comment by Sheree on January 20, 2011 at 7:00pm

This this AWESOME!!!  My son is a fireman and he would love this!!  And I have to ask the obvious questions (if you don't mind): where was this taken, what fire dept, was it a controlled burn or did you just happen upon a fire while you had your camera?