On October 25, 2003, a lost hunter set a signal fire northeast of Ramona, California near cedar Falls.  The carelessly laid spark ignited what became known as the largest wildfire in the state's history, the Cedar Fire.  With the combination of a drought-ridden environment, pine-beetle infested trees, housing over-development and Santa Anna winds, the Cedar Fire quickly grew into what many considered to be the perfect firestorm.  By the time it was 100% contained in mid November, the fire had burned 280,278 acres, killing 14 people, including one firefighter, and destroying 2,232 residences, 22 commercial properties, 566 outbuildings and 148 vehicles.  Another 53 residences and 10 outbuildings were damaged.

This Labrador Retriever, Queenie, and her canine friend, Beatrice, were left behind when their caretakers misjudged the proximity and speed of the fire.  The family barely made it out alive when the 30-mile wide front with its 100-foot high flames raced up their canyon at 75 mph.  The smoke was so thick they simply could not find either dog.  Returning days later, they found both dogs miraculously unharmed.  They all currently live in Ramona, CA.

About the Photographer

Nanette Martin is a freelance documentary photographer based out of Golden, CO.  Nanette focuses her efforts on documenting the aftermaths of disasters, such as the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center, the deadly 2003 fire season in San Diego County, California and Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, LA. 

Her work has been published in numerous magazines, including LIFE, People, Sports Illustrated, Reader's Digest, and the Advocate.  Her work on hate crimes was featured in the award-winning documentary film, "Journey to a Hate-Free Millennium" and reviewed by Vice President Gore, President Clinton and members of the Clinton administration.  Her work from Ground Zero was published in a coffee table book, entitled "The Thousand-Mile Stare: Images from Ground Zero" and is featured in several textbooks.  Nanette's gallery work has been exhibited in museums, galleries and universities, including: San Diego's Museum of Natural History in Balboa Park and the Museum of Outdoor Arts in Englewood, CO; Semple Brown, Goog and the Art Institute of Colorado galleries in Denver, CO; and Texas A&M University, Regis University and the University of Colorada (Auraria campus).

For more information about her work visit www.nanettemartin.com

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