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Sandi Whitteker | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> The "Pine Fire" - San Diego, California tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

The "Pine Fire" - San Diego, California

At the time these pictures were taken on Weds. the "Pine Fire" had burned more than 1000 acres and more than 2000 by the end of Thursday. After the 2004 fire that took 12 lives and a huge loss of homes and land, San Diegans cringe to see plumes like these in the eastern skies. Never been so close to a fire this size, I was caught up in watching the firefighting process going on in the sky above. Observing, the smaller planes would fly the fire to determine air and perhaps ground strategies, and select drop lines for the tankers dropping fire retardent. They would then precede the tankers, establishing a path, and the tankier would follow them in and make the drop. Got a few good pics that show a little of this, and even sold one to the local paper for their website... a first for me!

ADDED NOTE: NOV 2007... this fire was only a small precursor to the devestating fires of late October.
Fire in the Distance - the Lure Was Too Great!
Fire in the Distance - the Lure Was Too Great!		 Beautiful Valleys at Risk
Beautiful Valleys at Risk		 Plumes Climbed High and Were Seen for Miles
Plumes Climbed High and Were Seen for Miles		 There is a Dramatic Beauty to It
There is a Dramatic Beauty to It		 Plumes of this Fire Could Be Seen for Miles
Plumes of this Fire Could Be Seen for Miles
Plumes Continue to Spire Upward
Plumes Continue to Spire Upward		 Emergency Folks Block the Road as the Fire Progresses
Emergency Folks Block the Road as the Fire Progresses		 Scout Planes Monitor the Fire and Establish Drop Zones
Scout Planes Monitor the Fire and Establish Drop Zones		 Tanker Headed South to the Main Fire
Tanker Headed South to the Main Fire		 North End of the Fire, Near Highway 8
North End of the Fire, Near Highway 8
Windy and the Fire is Burning Fast
Windy and the Fire is Burning Fast		 Lots of Fuel for the Fire After a Dry Summer.
Lots of Fuel for the Fire After a Dry Summer.		 Tankers Dropping Fire Retardant
Tankers Dropping Fire Retardant		 Burning on the Ridge Close to the Road
Burning on the Ridge Close to the Road		 Establishing the Drop Zone for the Tanker
Establishing the Drop Zone for the Tanker
Tanker Starts It's Drop
Tanker Starts It's Drop		 Dropping Fire Retardant
Dropping Fire Retardant		 g6/74/784774/3/85547193.T2vt9TQo.jpg g6/74/784774/3/85511965.6Jq1Ef5Y.jpg g6/74/784774/3/85547200.FoP8k76s.jpg
And Out
And Out		 Headed Back for Another Load?
Headed Back for Another Load?		 An Erie Beauty
An Erie Beauty

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trento redento26-Jul-2014 17:15
Very beautiful!! -V-
Robert Houde18-Nov-2008 19:25
Had you ever think of been a journalist!
James Robertson15-Jun-2008 03:33
Great sequence of a devastating event that thank goodness we don't have to deal with very often here in the Northeast.
Ron10-Feb-2008 15:05
Outstanding !!! I love the way you captured the airplanes. We are about to start our fire season again. The biggest fire in Georgia's history was last year, so I hope it is a lot quieter this year. I hope you have a moist year in 2008. voted
Guest 24-Dec-2007 21:19
A superb gallery of scenes that are both awesome and appalling. ~V~ The loss of forest and wildlife is tragic, and the risk to firefighters is chilling. Your shots bring it home. We are just entering our season of bushfire risk down-under, and the sight of towering smoke on the horizon is something to be dreaded.
Maggiebee05-Dec-2007 21:34
Wonderful gallery you have captured the terror and the beauty.
Welll done
Katie Chew13-Nov-2007 15:36
Excellent gallery!
bsanden24-Oct-2007 06:59
You hate to see this happen, but you've taken some great shots for the record. Thx and hope you're getting firefighting help from your neighbor states.
Marj Shockley22-Sep-2007 01:45
Excellent captures! Vote!
Tomasz Dziubinski - Photography15-Sep-2007 11:46
Excellent gallery, very dramatic shots, Vote.
randy 14-Sep-2007 19:11
from ex firefighter:
Whatsamatta? couldnt you hike the half mile to get closer. :)
Kidding aside, they probably would have been pissed if you tried and without sanctioned comms linked to them you could be a casualty, so its best to keep a safe position.

Excellent pics. Well done.

Curious how much you sold the pics for. When a tornado stuck my house (while i was in it taping) I sold the pics to the local weather station for 500 bucks. covered my insurance deductable. CNN called me too but I had already sold the exclusive rights.
randy
alfredo camba jr.14-Sep-2007 15:02
Fantastic images. Very interesting gallery. vote!
Denis Vincelette13-Sep-2007 04:30
A good photo coverage ! Congratulations ...
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