Fire.


Dictionaries commonly define fire as a state, process, or instance of combustion in which fuel or other material is ignited and combined with oxygen, giving off light, heat, and flame.

For as long as it has been known to mankind, we have often associated fire and its unpredictable properties with death and devastation. Even the youngest children, upon reaching a hand into the flame of a campfire, know of the pain that fire can cause. So greatly do most humans fear fire, that the word fire can also be defined as the destructive burning of a building, town, forest, etc.; conflagration.

In almost every photograph depicting fire, this definition rings true.






And yet, despite its dangerous nature, we humans are inclined to find a sort of otherworldly beauty in fire. We are fascinated by fire. We cannot help but find delight in fire, not only for its enchanting appearance but also for the useful warmth that it provides.

Every day, every hour, every moment, someone in the world is trying to control fire in some way. Think of it this way: we humans try to manipulate fire both for our amusement and practical use in the form of candles, fireworks, and fire dancing.

Beyond the fear of a painful burn, we persist in our efforts to control the power of fire.





Fire (n.)
Literary. a luminous object, as a star: heavenly fires.





flashing light; luminous appearance.





brilliance, as of a gem.





The human fascination with fire can be seen in symbolism developed in many cultures throughout the ages. From ancient Greek philosophies to traditional Chinese perspectives, the classical element of fire has always been generally associated with such human qualities as passion, energy, strength, and persistence.

Fire is also commonly related to the summer, the south, and often the color red. Other common emotions associated with the element of fire include warmth, enthusiasm, and creativity. In a sense, we have become so captivated by fire, that, over time, it has become an element that we use to represent our innermost emotions.




Fire (n.)
burning passion; excitement or enthusiasm; ardor.







But I believe that the element of fire goes even further than human emotion.

I think that the beauty we all see in fire can be found in other places in the world, as well.

This kind of beauty is not seen so much as felt.









Fire (n.)
Liveliness of imagination.




To the extraordinary photographers that captured the element of fire in every way, thank you.


And remember..



“There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle.”

~Robert Alden


Don't be afraid of fire.

Fire is the light that banishes the darkness.