The photos on this special-report page are of the Telegraph Fire near Yosemite National Park which broke out on the afternoon of Friday, July 25, 2008, at approximately 15:30 hours. On that date, the fire burned 1,000 acres and exploded for another 15,000 acres on Saturday. By Wednesday, July 30, the total acreage was 32,063.  As of this posting, the fire was still burning.

The fire was located mostly in remote and inaccessible areas but spread into the interface resulting in the loss of approximately 25 homes.

These photos cover the first four days of the incident. Fire behavior was extreme, most notably on July 26 as indicated by the large acreage loss. Typical temperatures were in the 90’s with relative humidity in the teens. On July 26, the area was covered by an inversion but broke later in the afternoon.  As expected, major fire runs began at about 15:30 on south and southwest aspects. Thick brush and trees and extremely steep topography brought all favorable burning conditions into alignment and made for spectacular fire activity.

Inaccessibility put an unusually high burden on air operations. Both fixed and rotary winged aircraft rose to the occasion making drops in areas that only the best pilots could navigate.

Ground troops who were able to get into occupied areas gave 110 percent to save as many homes as possible. Cal-Fire Engine 1465 performed way above and beyond the call of duty in saving a house that was about to be overrun by 80- foot flame lengths. Photos of their actions are below.

Fire Nuggets salutes all of those involved in the firefighting efforts. The aggressive action taken by these highly motivated and dedicated people is truly awe inspiring.

All photos by Ted Corporandy

Next four photos below: The highest compliment that could be given to the members of Cal-Fire Engine 1465 is to call them what they are: “ass-kicking, firefighting machines.” In photo 1 the flame front is approaching E-1465 and the house they are defending. The engine headlights can be seen to the right of the flames. In Photo 2, eighty-foot flames race by, obliterating any view of the crew or the house. Miraculously, the house was saved (Photo 3). With the flame front past the house, firefighters knock down remaining fire (Photo 4).

Next four photos: These photos (Nos. 5-8) show spot fires in advance of the fire and illustrate how rapidly they burn together. The photo sequence is less than 30 seconds.