California has been dealing with wildfires that are destroying huge swaths of the state. The true level of the devastation is nearly impossible to gauge at this point. Firefighters and other emergency personnel are working around the clock in attempt to quench the fire's thirst for destruction. So far it has been an uphill battle, and the fire shows no signs of slowing down at this point.
The photographs that have been coming out of California are both terrifying and beautiful. Fire is one of those things that will have you running for your life while starring back behind you to witness the unleashed beauty of dancing flames. Let's have a look at the California wildfires as told by the photographers.
This looks like a scene out of a end-of-the-world movie or video game. Entire neighborhoods have been left as a pile of ash in the wake of the fires. There is quite literally nothing left to come back to.
I am left wondering what the point of having a head-lamp on is, considering the light being given off by the fires that have set the western-U.S. alight.
As the evacuations were undertaken, some things had to be left behind, including pets and livestock. This horse is looking on as the fires rage. Hopefully the majority of animals managed to make it out or were rescued.
Driving into the region is not recommended. The smoke and flames make it difficult to know what is just around the corner. Safety is the primary concern at this point.
Firefighters have been working around the clock in attempt to get the fires under control. They have been working themselves to exhaustion in conditions that we couldn't even begin to comprehend.
Fire consumes everything in its path. Homes and vehicles have been reduced to ashes, twisted scraps of metal and wood charcoal.
I don't think that anyone not living or working through this nightmare can yet truly comprehend the full scope of the destruction this situation has brought onto the people of California. When this is finally over, it will take years, if not decades for people to rebuild, and for nature to again flourish in the once fertile state.
Nothing is left over huge swatches of land. This entire hillside was scoured free of vegetation and all other aspects of life.
You can actually see the magnitude of the damage from satellite images. It makes you wonder if there will be anything left when this is over.
A firefighter works to clear away the charred remains of fallen trees in order to clear the path for emergency vehicles and other supplies to make their way through.
These firefighters are battling a hillside blaze. The sheer level of heat that must be coming off of that fire would be uncomfortable from a decent distance. I can't imagine what it must feel like being that up close and personal with it.
There is something inherently ominous about this image. The smoke and fire silhouetting the remains of what was once a family home speak volumes to the level of fear, pain and anger that these fires have instilled in those fleeing for their lives.
This picture is indeed worth 1000 words.
The people of California, especially those men and women who are risking their lives attempting to stem the tide of this disaster, need all the help you can give them. Here's hoping that the death count grows no larger, and that lives can resume when this is over.
Stay Strong California.