Firefighting in Makati 2

Another fire in Makati City, another opportunity to play photojournalist. My first experience was quite an adventure, albeit anti-climactic since the fire was extinguished before I could take my first shot. In this instance, the fire was still raging when I arrived at the scene. I was so early that my car was pinned (sandwiched) by fire trucks! Shooting with an APS-C (Fujifilm XT-3) was a concern since night-time shooting is not its greatest attribute.

I wanted to cover the breaking news event like a pro, but access to the raging building wasn’t easy. In fact, the firefighters had to cram into a narrow private community access road to get to the scene. Fire engines, as many and capable as they were that evening, were just idly waiting their turn. They were queued on both ends. I was the only civilian on the side where all the firefighters were coming and going. I wish I had at least printed a faux press ID, but I wore a yellow sports shirt (fire-fighting uniform color), joggers, and driving shoes. The guys were so busy that no one asked. I was also careful not to get in the way (when I remembered to).

I shot with a zoom Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 and the IS (image stabilization) helped. I spent maybe 20 minutes walking to the action and shooting and maybe an hour waiting in my trapped car until the trucks moved and left! The gear, skills, and timing didn’t fail me this time. The problem was that to see and shoot the fire in all its glory, I had to climb a ladder, go over a wall, and literally land in the flames. Even if I was feeling like Baldwin in the movie "Backdraft," I may have been underdressed for the occasion with only a yellow Ralph Lauren shirt on my back.

To remind you, if you’re new here, I go through the trouble to photograph in these situations (and possibly risk my life without asking for Patreon donations) for the story but also for the craft... more of the latter.

(NOTE: Click to Enlarge and View Details)

In Full gear and ready to battle.

Medical personnel in PPE (Did I mention risking my life?)

All I had to work with...

Where's a good plumber when you need one.