From the front lines: The biggest forest fires in Swedish history
For Mittmedia and Hela Hälsingland and several associated print publications, I reported a numer of times from large forest fires in central and northern Sweden. Sparked by lighting strikes, they raged for over a month and were made worse by extreme drought in the region. Firefighters from countries all over Europe, including Italy, Poland, France and Denmark joined the efforts.
Much of my reporting was as spot news with my camera, notebook and as a live video reporter. Here is some of my work from those burning weeks.
Two firefighters carrying extra fire hoses in the evening sun to combat a forest fire in Hälsingland, Sweden.
Spot reporting in a live video broadcast after a recent development in the spread of a forest fire and later interview with the chief communications officer for the regional emergency board.
One of the many helicopters water bombing an immense forest fire in Hälsingland, Sweden.
Smoke from a forest fire enveloping pine trees in Hälsingland, Sweden.
A volunteer firefighter is cooling of the ground after the worst of the fire is taken care of in his sector. The fire can easily spring up again after it has been put out as it can still be burning underground.
Liason officer Thomas Allsin from rescue services coordinate the firefighting efforts.
A quieter area of the forest fire, which firefighters deemed safe. But with strong winds it could flare up at any second.
ATVs make it easy for firefighters to move between new places where the fire might flare up.
The clear line between a raging forest fire and not.
A coordinating officer on-site of the largest forest fire in Swedish history. Firefighters from Italy, Poland, France and Denmark joined the efforts.
Helicopters are used to more effectively put out forest fires, carrying more than a 700 litres on water each turn.
At times, resources were so thinly stretched that firefighters had to depend on volunteer efforts; in this case, a farmer and his tractor.
The chief communications officer for the regional emergency board, which coordinated the fire fighting efforts, during a press briefing.
Hundreds of military personnel contributing to fire fighting efforts in Ljusdal, Sweden.
Hoses, fire trucks and helicopters are essential to fighting a forest fire, even watering cans.
Stumps can often hide a still burning fire that regain strength - dangerous for fire fighters who might then be trapped between fires.
Evening falls over an area where a forest fire recently raged. Night means colder temperatures and less dramatic spread of the fire.
