Photographing a fire that burns for more than two months can be difficult, but Durango Herald Photography Editor Jerry McBride made outstanding photos throughout the 416 Fire. This is one of his favorites because it illustrates the pure skill of air-tanker pilots. “What I like about this one is it shows the skill that these pilots have to have, how dangerous it is. This plane was probably 50 feet above ground at the very tip of Hermosa Cliff, and it blew me away how close he came down into that,” he said.
“It was amazing to see how many people were up on Missionary Ridge Road almost every night watching the fire,” McBride said of the 416 Fire, which started June 1. This photograph was made June 6. “It was a very visual fire and easy to see from that vantage point.” When the fire and the silhouette of the people came together, McBride was thrilled to make an image different from others he had shot during the first two weeks of the fire. Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Val Russell performs a routine Feb. 8 on aerial fabric at her business Alpine Aerial Acrobatics. Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Sunlight came through the window and lit up climber Heather Mobley at the Rock Lounge on March 24. Sometimes, light and a moment come together. That’s what happened here, McBride said. Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Tom Riesing participates in a Nia class, a blend of martial arts, healing and arts dance, lead by Evonne Tocco on July 31 at the Smiley Building. Riesing was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013 and attributes his survival largely to pursuing a blend of allopathic and naturopathic treatments. Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Fire retardant covers the back of the C-130 Hercules air tanker June 15 at the Durango Tanker Base. The plane was being used to fight the 416 Fire. Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
April Fry walks through her living room July 25 with her daughter Abby, 4, at Animas Village Apartments after flood water came in through the front door and left several inches of mud and debris. The flood was a result of runoff from the 416 Fire burn scar. Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Durango cyclist Howard Grotts climbs Coal Bank Pass on May 26 during the men’s professional road race at the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
McKay Wells of Bayfield High School tries to evade two Academy High School defenders March 3 during a Class 3A tournament game at BHS. Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
A BMX rider competes during The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic on May 27. Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Lauryn Christensen, 11, attends a rehearsal of Durango Aerial Arts & Acrobatics on May 8 at the Rochester Secret Garden. Lauryn is the daughter of Ann and Walker Christensen. Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
DJ Alex Rodriguez hosts his radio show Sept. 6 in the KDUR studios at Fort Lewis College. Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Kallie Tatlis plays Joy from the animated movie “Inside Out” on Aug. 25 at Fort Lewis College’s New Student Orientation Wellness Carnival. Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
Photographing a fire that burns for more than two months can be difficult, but Durango Herald Photography Editor Jerry McBride made outstanding photos throughout the 416 Fire. This is one of his favorites because it illustrates the pure skill of air-tanker pilots. “What I like about this one is it shows the skill that these pilots have to have, how dangerous it is. This plane was probably 50 feet above ground at the very tip of Hermosa Cliff, and it blew me away how close he came down into that,” he said. Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
