Melissa Fleming - Artist Exploring the Natural World
  American Glaciers
 
  Sentient (Night Seascapes)
  Sea Change (Ocean Photograms)
  Under Glass
  The Space In Between
  Wax Flora
  On the Water
  Wildlife
  Waterscapes
  Orchid Haze
  New York City

Wildfires

Wildfires are a natural part of the ecosystem in the American West, but changing weather patterns linked to climate change are fanning their flames. Extended periods of hot and dry conditions set the stage by desiccating the landscape. The parched plants then become tinder for any type of spark.  The fire season in the region traditionally ranged from late summer into early fall. It now lasts an average of 80 days longer than it did in the 1970s. 

Walker Fire 1, California, 2015 (photograph)
Walker Fire 2, California, 2015 (photograph)
Walker Fire 3, California, 2015 (photograph)
Walker Fire 5, California, 2015 (photograph)
Smoke from Walker Fire over Mono Lake, California, 2015 (photograph)
Walker Fire 4, California (photograph)
Scorched landscape from Mecca Fire, Oregon, 2018 (photograph)
Smoke from the Rough Fire Billows into the Air, California, 2015 (photograph)
Smoke-Filled Kings Canyon, Rough Fire, California, 2015 (photograph)