These images are part of a series of storytelling efforts surrounding the devastating impacts of the Camp Fire to the town of Paradise and neighboring communities, as well as its effect on the people and programs at California State University, Chico. The deadliest and more destructive fire in California history and the world’s costliness natural disaster in 2018, the Camp Fire struck on November 8, 2018 in the community just 15 miles from Chico State’s campus.
From the Judges
The Camp Fire coverage from California State University, Chico, really stood out in the category. It went beyond the expected institutional imagery, and it was clear that the photographer really worked to get out to the scene, find stories, and report on an event that had a clear impact on their community. The images had clear purpose and impact, evoked emotion, and were strongly composed. Even the empty classroom was a great storytelling image, showing what happened to campus as a result of the fire and summing up the impact.
