Photographer Nikki Ritcher’s ongoing campaign with CAL FIRE took her to Truckee, California to photograph a prescribed burn. This recent shoot focused on the critical nature of controlled burns, shedding light on their role in protecting communities and restoring forest health. Having documented many wildfires and their aftermath, Ritcher found that witnessing a prescribed burn was a unique experience. “Every move is carefully calculated, and environmental factors are closely monitored. It’s a reminder that fire isn’t just destructive; in the right conditions, it’s one of our best tools for forest health and community protection.”
Ritcher’s images not only depict the actions of these fire crews but also represent a broader narrative about diversity in firefighting. On her Instagram, she writes that women make up only 4.4% of California’s firefighting force. Making a point to photograph the two female firefighters on the crew that day, Ritcher’s focus on visibility is meant to inspire as well as depict the heroism of these frontline workers who brave the elements for their fellow Californians.
See images from the project below. For more of Nikki’s work, visit her Workbook portfolio.
