Visually the combination of smoke turning a sky orange creates a scene that is unlike anything I’ve seen. I am examining the disconnect that fires create, we have the idea of the suburbs, safety, community, comforts and amenities, and then this natural force that has been part of the ecosystem since time immemorial coming and upending all of that, sometimes in a matter of minutes. Southern California is home to the suburbs, freeways, convenience. Wildfires are the polar opposite, and it’s as much a commentary on the battle between man and nature as it is trying to create some order out of chaos.

Moreover, I want people to see the images and perhaps learn more about wildfire, whether it be how to better prep their homes against fire, etc. If making pretty pictures of disasters will get more people to learn about fires, and that causes even one house to be better prepped against wildfire, or raise awareness of what firefighters have to go through fighting these things, then the project is a success.