The Woodland Camera Forum will present a photo documentary program on the California wildfires by photographer Matt Henderson of Henderson Fire Media. The show is open to the public and free to attend and will be held on Monday, June 17 at 7 p.m.
, at Norton Hall, located at 70 Cottonwood St. Henderson got “fired up” on flames early, as his father was a fire chief. He recalls when he was young when his Dad would sometimes come home smelling of smoke.
Henderson spent four years in the Navy, moved to the Midwest before getting interested in storm chasing and tornado photography, then moved back to Dixon and got interested in fire photography. He has also been a photographer and journalist for the Vacaville Reporter and the Woodland Daily Democrat. He has covered almost every major California fire since 2005, documenting the firefighter’s efforts and strategy while also keeping the local residents updated on Facebook Live on the spread of the fire.
He would get FB messages from anxious homeowners in the areas, and he would drive down the streets to either give them relief that their house was still there or confirmation that the fire destroyed their home. When the fire alarms and online mapping indicate a flaring fire, Henderson grabs his camera equipment and races to the scene. His job at Dixon Hardware & Lumber is very understanding about his need to leave quickly.
During the fire season, his truck is always ready with protective gear, a chainsaw, shovel, computer, camera.