An uncomfortable opportunity for some photo-reportage....

[tim-b]

Yesterday the block of flats next to mine burnt down. I was in two minds whether to photograph it, since some of my unfotunate neighbours were obviously distressed and I didn't want to get in the way of the firemen, but I managed to justify it to myself and decided to go ahead on the basis that it's an opportunity (although a horrible one of course) not to be missed, and there wasn't anything I could have done to help anyway (I did offer blankets first!). So I gingerly fired away....a few results below and here.

Anyone else had a similar experience, or comments on the ethics of this kind of thing? The mixture of excitement and guilt is a heady one, I think it affected my ability to take a good photograph as I wasn't relaxed at all!

[V8Dom]

bugger... wouldnt wish that on anyone...

have to ask though did it snow during the fire as no snow in first three shots??

Dom

Edited by V8Dom on Sunday 14th February 21:31

[curtisl]

would that be chislehurst by any chance? 5mins from me. you should have got them in to the newsshopper, a damn sight better than the ones they got.

[wendyg]

That's a toughie, I'd always say 'It's important that we record this in as much detail as possible', very few folk can up with a reply to the contrary.

[Simpo Two]

It's not as if you had an alternative option of helping to put out the fire.

[Adz The Rat]

I would have done the same thing.

[The Riddler]

A few years ago my grans neighbours had made a 'Device' and strapped it to a gas main in the pantry. I managed to get quite a few shots of the police and bomb disposal doing their stuff. Although I did miss the controlled explosion.

The neighbour is due for release from prison this year.

[tim-b]

V8Dom said:

have to ask though did it snow during the fire as no snow in first three shots??

Actually the snow came after it had been put out. 2 fire-engines stayed around for several hours after the other 6(!) had left, I think just in case it re-started or something (and perhaps to assist the gas company who were digging up the driveway to isolate the gas supply to the block).

curtisl said:

would that be chislehurst by any chance? 5mins from me. you should have got them in to the newsshopper, a damn sight better than the ones they got.

Yes that's right. I did send a few to the bbc but don't think they used them.


Although the damage doesn't look too severe to the ground and first floors, all 12 flats in the block are now uninhabitable as the ones not fire damaged were flooded. I guess I'll have to get used to living on a building site for a while, I've heard the rebuild is estimated at 6 months.....