INTO THE FOREST, AND THE FLAMES By Aug. 14, the raging Taylor Bridge wildfire near Cle Elum had burned 28,000 acres and was continuing to spread. This view looks east toward Ellensburg from the Thorp Prairie Road just north of Interstate 90. Firefighters were then battling the blaze mostly by air.
Covering the Taylor Bridge wildfire was a challenge figuring out where the fire was headed next. From this vantage point, I watched the fire grow and move my way. I saw helicopters collect water from the river and often disappear into the smoke to drop their buckets of water onto the flames.
While chasing the flames, I often found myself driving down roads that would soon disappear in smoke, which meant shoot first then make a U-turn to get out.
-- Mike Siegel