Fire at Pilgrim Holiness

Flames were breaking through the dormitory roof at Newberrytown Holiness Church camp Thursday night as I arrived on the scene.

Generally at any news scene, it's a good idea to stay out of sight of officials who want to chase media away from the area. To keep the local media hordes in check, they often corral us in a staging area, often too far away for pictures or interviews with witnesses, while the public is allowed to wander close enough to feel the fire's heat.

Sometimes we're allowed to the scene only when the fire is out, the cars have been hauled away or flood waters have receded. And, of course, the firefighters and other emergency personnel have finished their job. There's not much to photograph, or to show readers what happened there.

YDR reporter Ted Czech arrived late to the fire Thursday, was stopped a half mile from the scene and not even allowed to walk that distance to the scene. No one was allowed into the scene, said fire police, and only after checking with the scene command (who I'm sure had more important things to worry about) was Ted allowed to walk in.

So, if we're out of sight, that usually means we're out of their way to do their job and we can still do ours.

Before I even shot the first photo Thursday, elders from the church told me the story of the fire. It was an amazing story, with people sleeping in the dorm when the fire began, a visible spark that traveled across the electric line from the tabernacle to the dorm and how everyone escaped without injury. They wanted to be sure we had the correct information.

Afterward, the campers spoke glowingly about the firefighters, about how they rescued equipment, laptops and necessary medications. About how they risked their lives climbing on the smoking roofs, just feet away from the flame. The campers were more concerned about the emergency workers than their destroyed dormitory or ruined camp.

I've often wondered how I'd feel about photographers shooting away while my home burned behind me. It's doubtful I would be as gracious, kind and thoughtful as these people were.

The truck photo was shot at 1/60, f4.5 and 1000 ISO at 75mm-- with plenty of cleanup help from Photoshop. Fire photo was shot at 1/160, f5.3, 400 ISO and 230 mm.