June 9, 2001.  Modesto, California.

"A northwest wind was blowing about 10-15MPH, adding oxygen to the creosote-fueled blaze that was marching steadily toward 9th Street. Talk about hot! The fire was creating it's own wind and despite being upwind out of harm's way, I couldn't get within 200 feet of the blaze."

photo by Ted Benson, copyright 2001 Modesto Bee, used by permission

Tidewater Southern Railway

Burning of the Tuolumne River Bridge