Red Hot Assignment

Before today the only fires I have been close to in my life have been contained by a circle of rocks while I drank a pop and roasted a marshmallow on the open yellow flames. Now I understand the true warning behind  'only you can prevent forest fires,' because I got to photograph the guys who come in to clean up after you start one. 

Camp Pendleton played host to its 30th Annual Wild Land Fire Training, a program intended to give over 50 fire fighting agencies from the Southern California area experience in battling real wild fires.

I was excited to photograph it the moment I woke up this morning. I'm not a very good breaking news photographer, so it was great to photograph a semi breaking news event in a controlled environment. Hopefully this summer I'll get better at breaking news, and when my d700 comes in the mail next week (happy dance!) I'll be more confident in my equipment and my ability to technically get the shot right. 

It was an amazing experience. I was very grateful for the people at Pendleton who took us around and taught me the basics of fire safety--- which is something I think everybody should become aware of if you don't already. I was especially in the dark with fire precautions because I come from Minnesota, a state without Santa Ana winds and warm winters. I definitely learned to appreciate the people under the bright yellow and orange coats. Next time you see a fire, think of the people behind the scenes who keep us safe, and hope for the right winds!

Your local eyes,

Chelsea

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