This image gives a pretty good idea of the utter devastation created by Wednesday night's fire. I would show you more, but I had to creep around a strip of Do Not Cross tape and poke my camera through a gap in the fence to grab this shot.The scene was charred and perplexing, quiet and broken. Isn't it odd the way the roof now resembles the spine of a fallen dinosaur? What struck me most was the fact that this decimated structure is only about four feet from the historic Community building next door, yet the fire didn't jump across. Even more curious to me is the fact that the high winds of Wednesday afternoon had settled into stillness by the time this fire broke out. Small miracles and big questions ... I guess these things are part of any disaster.
I remain in awe of the firefighters who kept this from becoming a truly tragic inferno. To all of the fine, selfless public servants who protected the entire Mission West District with swiftness and skill: thank you, thank you, thank you! You are all deeply appreciated.
21 comments:
"The spine of a fallen dinosaur." What an image!
I'm with Shanna, "The spine of a fallen dinosaur" is so pictoral. From afar I add my blessings on the firefighters. Fire: In the fireplace it is warm and cozy. On the stove it cooks up food, warm and yummy. But look what happens when it gets out of control. About a year ago the house two doors from me burned viciously, flames shooting fifty feet into the air and threatening our houses and the green belt behind our houses where I live. The owner was spared thanks to a smoke detector. His life was saved but everything else was lost. The rest of us were spared, as were the woods, thanks to the firefighters.
It's amazing to me how much of the fossil is left given the size of the inferno as it started. I think the firemen made a special effort to keep the fire from jumping to the Community Services, which is just four feet from the building that burned. Nice work, Laurie, crossing police tape to get this shot. Did you see all the fire-retardent "snow" in the gutter that I saw yesterday morning?
Before reading other people's comments, I was struck that it looked like an old wooden roller coaster. Perhaps a metaphor for the whole "crazy ride" that took place that night. Fires always scare me, yet their power and dance of red and orange are almost mesmerizing, if you are watching it.
I am in complete agreement about the firemen. They are indeed the unsung heroes in so many circumstances such as these. Hats off to the men in the heavy gear and helmets!!!
I hadn't thought of a dinosaur but, I did immediately think of a spine. I'm so glad it was contained to this one building and no damage to the historic building next door. Good work by the fire fighters.
Wow. I'm really sorry to hear about the fire, but glad it was put out in time with no damage to the historic buildings or loss of life.
Do they have any idea of the cause?
I, too, love firefighters. They rescued my screaming brother when, at the age of 7, he fell from a tree and broke his arm. As we rode to the hospital in their truck they made all of us, even my hysterical grandmother, calm down and feel safe again.
Every time a fire truck passes with sirens blaring, I feel a warm rush of nostalgia... the good guys are coming to take care of us!
And Yak, not to mention the calendar... you know...
"Firefighters of the San Gabriel Valley!"
I wonder why my WV is "morvenem"?
Absolutely, let's hear it for firefighters. It goes against every instinct to enter a burning building rather than flee from it. I've seen some incredible acts of bravery up in these hills. From afar.
I look away from your blog for a bit, and look what happens to South Pasadena!
The So Pasa's are lucky to have both LA & Ashley's blogs. Both are great!
Putting the kiddos to sleep when I heard a loud explosion then lots of sirens. I ran around the corner, cam in hand of course. Got a few snaps to share.
Big thumbs to all our local firemen. Job well done.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/de_val/sets/72157616867969177/show/
Nice pix, David!
Marvelous shots, David! I'm so glad you added them. Now, everyone can see what Mr. Earl and I watched. Thanks for posting them to share.
And welcome, by the way! :-)
Wow. All in our little town.
Thanks, everyone!
Oh, and just to keep with tradition:
Until tomorrow...
:-)
Thanks Mr. Earl
Laurie, thank you for the welcome. I must admit I've been a lurker on your blog for some time now. What a wonderful visualized editorial you write describing our little town of SoPa. Your photos are top notch.
Cheers
~D
Yes, the firefighters are our real heroes!!!
David, thanks! And now that you've de-lurked, stick around. It's great to have you here. :-)
This is really awesome pictures....take care..
Thank you..
___________________
Andrew
Save OVER 50% for 3 months,Save $21/mo for an Entire Year!* on your Favorite Channels
Post a Comment