VN #039: Forest Fires and Burnt Cars
Posted September 1, 2024
Forest Fires and Burnt Cars
Forests are born to burn; it’s part of the natural cycle.
We love forests; they are uplifting to walk through, they are an immeasurable resource, and they make for comforting surroundings when we build our dream home.
In 2016, a wild fire swept through the town of Fort McMurray; it was the costliest disaster in Canadian history.
In 2017, several wildfires were burning out of control in the Cariboo Chilcotin region of British Columbia; the region where we live. The word wildfire took on a new meaning when I was personally told to evacuate; our home was in danger.
During this emotional time, I took my camera and drove out into the countryside. It was emotional on many fronts, and I found myself making images of subjects I had never photographed before. One was the vehicles which had succumbed to fire; I found them along the highways, on back country roads, and in private driveways. There was a personal story behind each and every one.
This was 1-km away from our home when I was told to evacuate
A neighbouring home with vehicles in the driveway
Abandoned along the highway
Remnant I
Remnant II
Remnant III
The sights that I witnessed, the stories that I heard, and the images that I made, are still powerfully etched in my consciousness.
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