These Photos from the Frontlines of the Park Fire are Both Beautiful and Terrifying
The Park Fire, one of the largest wildfires in Northern California’s recent history, has been raging since July 24, 2024. Originating in Upper Bidwell Park, this catastrophic blaze has scorched over 414,042 acres across Butte and Tehama counties, destroying hundreds of homes and threatening thousands more. As of the latest reports, the fire is only 34% contained, with firefighting efforts hampered by extreme heat, dry conditions, and high winds.
Amidst this devastation, CalFire photographers on the frontlines have captured powerful and poignant images that tell the story of the fire’s impact on the land and the tireless efforts of the firefighters battling the flames.
CalFire has released a series of photographs on its Flickr page that show the frontlines of the fire up close, and they are hauntingly beautiful. From the intense, billowing smoke captured by aerial drones to the determined faces of firefighters, these images bring to life the scale and ferocity of the Park Fire.
Here are a few of our favorite images:
