May, 08th 2007 Crawfordsville, IN Downtown Fire

I had just gotten off work when I heard that the downtown was on fire. I got off work around 5:00am and supposedly one or more buildings were on fire for around 1 to 2 hours now. First off these buildings are very very old. One building says 1898 on it so I am guessing all of them were built around the same time.

On my way downtown I was saying to myself I will just take a quick look. When I got close ash was raining on me and I could see the glow from the fire and emergency vehicles, I was like holy cow! It was a hugh fire two sections of one building were in flames! The one day I dont bring my camera LOL. I parked at the library across the street and watched for about 30 mins kind of mesmerized. I went home to get my camera and when I returned the sun was now coming up. They had alot of the area taped off, but I didnt seem to notice. One guy asked if I was with the media, I vaguely said I was a photographer and his attention quickly turned. All the pics below are shot from outside the taped area.

Hmmm? I wonder which way the wind was blowning that day? Almost straight north! The winds at the right above the ground level have a slight less drag attribute to them. Therefore they are usually more vigorous!

Its amazing how much smoke was being generated by this immense fire! Just imagen being down wind of it. The thermals that were generated, carried big chunks of ash and coals burning red hot down wind!