An iconic shipwrecked fishing boat in Point Reyes, California, was severely damaged by a fire yesterday, and it may have been caused by a photographer’s long-exposure light-painting photo involving sparks from burning steel wool.



The Marin Independent Journal reports that the fishing boat at Tomales Bay, a beloved local landmark and a popular subject of photos, was engulfed in flames at 1:30 a.m. Monday morning when the local volunteer fire department was called to it. After being put out at 4 a.m. after a 2 hour battle, it was discovered that the entire stern of the boat had been destroyed.

Locals soon discovered that an amateur photographer had posted a long exposure sparks photo on Instagram — the shot, which has since been deleted, featured the same boat (pre-fire), and had been posted the same night of the blaze.

Fire Chief Jim Fox tells the Marin Independent Journal that someone had called to clear their name of the blaze, and that it’s likely that no further action will be taken to identify the culprit.

“We won’t investigate something when there’s no evidence of a crime or actual damage,” Fox says. “This was already a derelict vessel. I don’t know how you can damage something that’s already broken.”

Boat behind Inverness store. Still smoldering. Phoebe von Reis Sharron Drake. Just walked over there. Posted by Jane Frances Vait on Monday, February 22, 2016

But from photos and messages being posted on social media, it’s clear that locals are furious that a photographer may have wrecked the beloved wreck.

Some savages set this beauty on fire last night, i bumped into a Park Ranger who said its now structurally unsafe (you can see the back is messed up) and it may get removed as people tend to climb on it. Get out and shoot it while you can. A photo posted by Chris (@sanfranglasgow) on Feb 22, 2016 at 12:04pm PST

R.I.P ? I'll definitely be going soon before they bring her down ? #PointReyesShipWreck #PointReyes #PointReyesNationalSeashore A photo posted by #TEAMNIKON? (@_bassheadd) on Feb 23, 2016 at 12:01am PST

It was such a heartbreaking moment when I heard the news. The iconic Point Reyes Ship Wreck was burned half way down this past weekend due to ignorant and irresponsible "photographers" who are trying to take cool photos. It's okay to be creative, but please respect the places where you have the privilege of visiting. I hope they will keep the remains of the ship there so many of us (including myself) can visit. #rippointreyesshipwreck A photo posted by Hoyin Chan (@c.hoyin) on Feb 23, 2016 at 12:04pm PST

Just heard the sad news that this iconic ship was burned over the weekend. I'm so grateful that I was able to see it last July. ? A photo posted by Carolyn (@howliing_wolves) on Feb 22, 2016 at 9:45pm PST

I'm sad to hear about fire that happened to the Point Reyes shipwreck over the weekend. It was such a cool gem to find in the gorgeous Point Reyes National Seashore area. I hope your played out fire steel wool photo was worth the likes. #alwayssf A photo posted by tina ly johnston (@tina) on Feb 22, 2016 at 9:13pm PST

I guess a photographer playing with fire burnt down the old #pointreyes shipwreck this past weekend. This is why we can't have nice things. #shipwreck #boat #marincounty A photo posted by Chris Pugh (@chrispugh) on Feb 23, 2016 at 9:21am PST

Apparently the old iconic #pointreyes boat was burned down this week. Sad. #bw #boat #marin #america A photo posted by Thomas Hawk (@thomashawk) on Feb 23, 2016 at 8:57am PST

Leave it how you found it. #PointReyesShipWreck #PointReyes A photo posted by Freehand Profit (@freehandprofit) on Feb 22, 2016 at 8:28pm PST

“Amateur or professional, burning down a photo spot, damaging a landscape, even alternating a place to get a different image is worthless,” photographer Fede Benavides tells PetaPixel. “That is not what photography is about and if people continue to behave like this, it will ruin the fun for all of us.”

“When they start to put bans on places saying where we can or cannot take pictures, don’t ask yourself or the guards why, just think back on ‘photographers’ like this guy.”