Tenaya Fleckenstein Photography

07/28/2024

Once again an amazing event put on to support local Northern Sonoma County Fire resources. Not only did they make a great fundraising event, we are blessed by some amazing supporters like Watch Duty, Senator Mike McGuire, and so many other event sponsors. Some of my favorites in this gallery are during the auction, and the flyover on the way back to base from Tanker 85 from supporting a fire in Lake County that started during the event. If you didn't make it this year, don't wait next year when the tickets go on sale!!!

07/28/2024

07/25/2024

Few photos from the Flora Fire tonight before I hit the sack. Mostly the air show as the crew hose lines were super steep and I didn't hike them getting there half hour into the incident. Strong showing by all to keep it from heading towards homes. Lots of memories of this area from 2017. Great people and crews worked hard. These resources will be out on the line again tomorrow mopping up and keeping things in check. Resources on scene included of course CAL FIRE, Northern Sonoma County Fire District, Sonoma County Fire District, Dry Creek Rancheria Fire, Healdsburg Fire Department, Santa Rosa Fire Department, North County Fire Protection District, PG&E, CHP, Henry-1

07/01/2024

So as I catch up on a few photos from the Preston Vegetation Fire in Cloverdale I realize that my nervousness for the next couple of weeks can be turned into a PSA. We're all excited for the holiday to celebrate and have some time off. I am very excited about this as my family could desperately use a breath right now. However, the reality is that with all the extreme heat/red flag warnings coming in the next 10-14 days it will take very little for things to go bad. CAL FIRE LNU issued the following statement:

“If a fire were to start in these conditions, it has the potential to spread rapidly and exhibit extreme fire
behavior,” said CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Deputy Chief Matt Ryan. “We want to remind residents and visitors
to take fire safety precautions this week and to make sure you are preparing yourself in the event a wildfire
should start near you. Now is the time to have your evacuation plan in place, pack your go bag and sign up for
emergency alert notifications through the county you live in or will be visiting.”

Not only as a resident of the area does this concern me, but these faces and so many others of the fire family will be forced to go work in these conditions when things go bad. This puts them at risk of potential fire behavior, but of heat illnesses. This scares me just as much as the fires. My PSA is to beg you all to please be diligent, careful, respectful and think for just one moment of all those firefighters out there that will jump into action because they have to if accidentally start a fire. Yes you might feel like your holiday is less than if you don't get to use sparklers or fireworks (remember that fireworks are banned in the State Responsibility Areas (SRA) of Colusa, Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties. That includes ‘Safe and Sane’ Fireworks). But I hope you remember what is at stake especially for those families who have people on the line. Today especially this feels true as the 11th anniversary of the Yarnell Hill Fire that claimed the lives of 19 of the 20 Granite Mountain Hotshots on June 30th, 2013. We've had more fires this month than normal and it takes all of us being part of the solution. Ok PSA over, now enjoy the photos of these firefighters doing good work!

ReadyForWildfire.org

07/01/2024

I am about 2 weeks late, but wanted to post just a few of the initial couple hours at the Point Fire on 6/16/24. I got a little distracted after the first initial hours so not too many to share.

06/22/2024

This month in remote areas of Geyserville/Cloverdale protected by the Northern Sonoma County Fire District and CAL FIRE over 1000 acres have been treated with prescribed burns under the Vegetation Treatment Program (CalVTP). This was done to both reduce fuels and use sustainable methods for managing land and enhancing the resilience of streams and watersheds. I was fortunate to attend two of the larger burns this month to document the landowners and public partners collaborating to achieve both these goals.

The first burn was 700 acres at a private ranch. This is the first of a series of proposed burns to treat their land and improve the watersheds. The burn started in early evening when prescription was achieved and split into several crews spread over the land. This coordinated dance of introducing fire, using the terrain and weather to purposefully consume dead, down and non-native invasive species on the land. There were minimal winds and many of the fuels were still green with high fuel moisture causing mosaic burn and some areas did not burn as fully as they would later in the season after drying out. The landowner and crews successfully completed this burn and monitored the land for the next few days and now there is a large break that will not be susceptible to uncontrolled fire in this coming summer season.

The second was almost 300 acres 2 weeks later at Lake Sonoma in coordination with the US Army Corps of Engineers who manage the land surrounding the lake, and local tribal partners. It was great to hear tribal representatives describe about how the fires used to clean the land and how he was excited that after this burn the natural growing fruits and nuts that should reemerge to the land. Getting back to the natural cleansing of the land is something we are embracing. A briefing with the objectives, plan and weather was done with the large group of agency firefighters and a class from SRJC before ignition began. This burn in contrast began in the early morning and ignition was targeted to be complete before the heat of the day. The fuels were much more receptive at this burn than the first one, light flashy fuels burned quick, clean and required minimal mop up. The down and dead fuels were well consumed and left the watershed cleaner. I have shared several photos where you can see the burned side of the break and the unburned side for comparison. Much of the down fuels around mature trees were consumed, and this leads to natural habitats as well as reducing fuels to be susceptible to uncontrolled fires during the season.

At the end of the album, you’ll see some side-by-side comparisons for the Half A Canoe area Thursday night before and then on Saturday morning during mop up and patrol. While the black may look ‘ugly’ for now, I’m interested to go back next year to see how clean and fresh the areas look after having this cycle completed. While there was some unplanned acreage, it was quickly controlled and only treated extra areas down to the lake edge. Crews mopped up the entire area overnight Friday and all day Saturday. While fire can be scary and exciting, I feel honored to see the cycle of good work that many are doing with these low-intensity fires promoted fire adapted and dependent ecosystems. A side benefit is the training and education that the firefighters get and documenting this work is important.

06/08/2024

Congratulations to all the 2024 graduates out there. HHS students, stay tuned to get your photos soon.

04/21/2024

I am not great at posting photos from my paying customers. Often, I'm just moving so fast and on to the next thing. But once in a while I remember to do so and put a few of my favorites together for sharing. This beauty is so amazing and graduating from SSU this year. Her dream was to document this time of her life and get some totally awesome photos with her grandpa's beautiful corvette. We had a blast putting her in all sorts of locations on this enchanting spring day. She's was fun, easy going and you can tell so proud of what she's accomplished. I felt lucky to document her smile and spirit and after hearing about her endeavors for years from her father, it was amazing to spend a few hours getting to know her and chat it up. Congratulations Miss 'N', you're going to do great things!!!!

04/07/2024

This morning just after 10:30 Northern Sonoma County Fire District, City of Healdsburg Fire Department, Dry Creek Rancheria, Sonoma County Fire District all responded to the west side of the dry creek valley for a residential structure fire. BC6 arrived at scene reporting an attic fire in a shallow attic with smoke from the vents seen. After investigation and a little ventilation, the crews were able to extinguish the fire and overhaul the structure. Following the suppression operations, the crews were able to locate the three scared cats, a turtle and a lizard and return them all to their loving family. Teach this photographer to put the camera away till I leave as I had to catch the last photo on my phone. Glad all occupants were safe and reunited with their furry family members.

02/28/2024

Just after 11:00pm tonight units were dispatched to the former Wicked Slush in Healdsburg. Arriving at scene to a working structure fire units from City of Healdsburg Fire Department, Northern Sonoma County Fire District, Sonoma County Fire District, CAL FIRE and Healdsburg Police Department got the scene secured and under control.

12/25/2023

Photos for all four weekends with Santa at Costeaux are up on the website for downloading. Merry Christmas everyone!

Tenaya Fleckenstein Photography

12/06/2023

Photos from the first Santa visit at Costeaux are up on the website. 3 more Saturday visits before Christmas!

Tenaya Fleckenstein Photography

08/31/2023

A little blue moon on our walk tonight....less blue and more fire orange for part of it.

08/14/2023

Over last week and specifically the last couple days I have watched Paul be dedicated to honoring a family friend who was in CDF with his father. Ed was as I have heard everyone describe over the two days a joyful man who respected his firefighters, fought for woman to join his crew, loved his wife and family, was an incredibly hard worker, served his country, and made everyone laugh, talk and feel welcome. He and his bride loved cruising and I remember talking to them over the years about what they were doing next and thinking, Paul and I have a lot more cruising to do to catch up to them. He would kiss me on the cheek and hug me tight when we saw him. He was there for us at Jack's memorial and Paul told stories of visiting the station and him being there when he was a little boy. We were fortunate enough just shortly before his passing to be part of hosting him one more time at Healdsburg CDF and hear him laugh, and look and remember the years that he spent there. Looking at the wall he built, the sign that he created all firefighters now walk under. Ed was one of the legends I have heard about ever since I've been in the 'CDF family'. He made a huge impact on CALFIRE here in Sonoma County. The best part of the last two days was getting to spend time with his family and get to know them more. What a legacy he has left this world and I'll not ever forget him or the family. Sure enough as his last alarm was done, a tone for a vegetation fire went out and it was as if he was sending us a signal. I know all those guys are up there together watching over Paul and the others as they proudly carry on what they learned during their time with them. I have included a few photos of Ed at the station. I look forward to telling firefighters about Ed over the years and how he impacts their surroundings. We will do you proud Ed, and enjoy the CALFIRE family as it continues to grow, laugh and love together.

08/01/2023

The "Healdsburg Fire" on the north end of town created quite a bit of excitement this afternoon. The 12 acre fire did cross Hwy 101 and was burning towards CALFIRE Station 48 for just under hour before full containment. Crews at the station smelled the fire even before it was dispatched and responded quickly to keep it from progressing too fast. the CALFIRE airshow had a strong showing with 2 type 1 helicopters and air tankers keeping things in check while crews hiked and put in hand line. The dozer attacked the fire from the station and the pre-season fuel break on the hill put at the perimeter of the property held the fire on the northwest side near Lytton lake. As always Northern Sonoma County Fire District, City of Healdsburg Fire Department and of course CALFIRE are a strong working team who integrates well and gets the job done. Thanks for the assistance from Sonoma County Fire and Dry Creek Rancheria as well. It definitely complicated things that about 20 min into the fire, a traffic accident occurred on the freeway that included 7 occupants. Just to show that things are very dynamic in these fast changing incidents. That first hour seemed longer, but getting it contained so quickly was awesome (even though I know it felt longer for them).

07/23/2023

Another year of the Dam Burn at Lake Sonoma done early in the morning before the heat of the day. The fog had been in and we had to wait for it to burn off a bit before the grass would even burn. A really good example of how the RH recovery works when the cool fog nights occur.

Burning off the face of the damn not only helps each year for clearing fuels, but also allows the Army Corps of Engineers to maintain the dam and perform mandatory inspections on the face of the earthed dam without it being overgrown. A side benefit is training new firefighters on firing techniques. CalFire and Northern Sonoma County Fire District for a job well done.

07/20/2023

I was intending to write this post earlier today on my personal page but a lot happened right as I was going to do so. Life is short, we are all in a hurry and frustrated with life, trying to get to the next thing. However, my PSA is to slow down and recognize what is really important. Both my kids in the last week have been run off the road by drivers not paying attention or seeing them on their bicycles. Yesterday with Tate it was bad enough to go to the ER, he's limping today and sore. The person didn't even really make sure he was alright.

As I noted, I was feeling upset about this today and going to write about that, but then so much more happened. If you were trying to go north on Hwy 101 today you were likely slowed by one of the 3 accidents. Two of which were subsequent reactions of the first. We've all been there and frustrated, but these photos I'm posting are all people I love, who put themselves in danger to go help those who are hurt. So many passers by were frustrated by the freeway closure and tried to stay on the freeway for their own convenience or were asking if they could squeeze by. There is a reason why you cannot do that, it's their safety and the intense operations they must execute. My husband has been to 5 major accidents all within 10 miles of freeway in the last week. Multiple times he has talked about how even though he has flares out , a flashlight shining directly at them and cones people cannot be bothered to slow down, or be careful when driving by them. He's had to jump back out of the way and I've heard the same from others on some of these calls. The last one today was the worst with 5 cars, 11 patients and 30+/- emergency personnel, 4 fire engines, 5 chiefs vehicles, 4 ambulances, 3 helicopters all trying to provide the best care possible. City of Healdsburg Fire Department, CalFire, Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District, Bells Ambulance, Cloverdale Ambulance, Sonoma County Fire, REACH, Henry 1 and CHP all did a phenomenal job today. it was like watching a Swiss watch of parts, working in harmony to do the job.

Like I said earlier, have empathy, patience and compassion. I know it's hard, but too much is at stake. Pay attention to your surroundings and remember someone's loved one might be just out of your peripheral.

07/19/2023

So after cleaning up following the event and heading home around midnight just before I was going to get off the freeway a call came out for a fire along the railroad tracks. So naturally I took the scenic route home to watch some firefighters kick butt on a tough pile of railroad ties that were on fire. Ironically it was the coolest part of my day.

Great job City of Healdsburg Fire Dept, that was a job and a half!

07/07/2023

Thank you so much the City of Healdsburg (all the departments involved, Community Services, Fire Dept, Police Dept) for putting on a great 4th of July show. While there may have been a few bumps, it was the first time in 4 years I've dragged out the camera and shot some photos of the fireworks. Never gets old!!!!!

01/08/2023

Few photos of the Memorial for Boggs Mt Helicopter Pilot Steven Lotspeich. Great to see so many faces who knew him there sharing stories and jokes. Sounded like that would have been how he wanted it.

12/19/2022

Final weekend of Santa Photos are up on the site. Thanks for all those who came out to see me at Costeaux! Have a wonderful holiday.

https://tenayafphotography.com/dec172022

Tenaya Fleckenstein Photography

12/12/2022

Second set of photos from Breakfast with Santa are up for viewing/downloading.

Tenaya Fleckenstein Photography

12/10/2022

Two of the three days complete with Santa. One more next weekend!! Come see me on December 17 at Costeaux!

12/06/2022

Costeaux Breakfast with Santa photos from December 3, 2022 are up for viewing and downloading.

Tenaya Fleckenstein Photography

11/29/2022

Another 'Black Friday' prescribed burn in Geyserville last week. Burned a portion of this ranch two years ago on the same day and this time it was cooler and greener than last time. Steep hills and the small rains we have had kept things very in check and while things went well, there will be more to do in years to come to maintain and consume dead and down trees and debris from the past fires. They have reclaimed more grazing land continued to make their property and the neighboring ones more defendable. I enjoyed hangin out much of the day with the CAL FIRE Blue Ridge firefighter crew and while the hiking was steep and grueling it was awesome to watch all the work being done. Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District and their fuels crew always do an amazing job and with some help from a few other local agencies this another successful burn. Just needed a chair and marshmallows with the large pile at the end to watch the sunset and it would have been perfection!

10/22/2022

Sometimes I come home from a shoot so fulfilled and full of joy. This was one of those days. This family is so important and special to our family and many others. This beauty was so much fun to be around. Happy to show her off through my lens and look forward to what she does in the future! Go get 'em 'G'. You are more beautiful than you'll ever know, inside and out.

08/29/2022

Yesterday I was able to help document an amazing event in Sonoma. This was truly my worlds colliding. My day job is as a construction manager for several local school districts. One of the projects I'm most proud of in my career is a beautiful new field complex that supports so many programs and events for Sonoma Valley High. Many of you may have seen a post going viral a few months ago about three boys who saved their friends life by starting CPR and using a public AED. This AED was 1 of 4 donated through an effort with the Just1Mike.org foundation collaboration with Sonoma Valley Unified around the campus for public use. The founders as well as the founders of the incredibly cutting edge SAVE STATION attended the event along with the dispatcher who took the call and Sonoma Valley Fire District who responded.

This call while I didn't realize when I heard it toned out, would touch me from so many angles. The Paramedic on Henry 1 who happened to be nearby and landed quickly was a fire explorer of mine years ago, the dispatcher is a firefighter I often see at home from HFD, and it all occurred at a facility I had a small part in being built. I remember tears rolling down my face when I read the post the Sheriff’s office put out the next day.

Even though I've been CPR trained since I was 15 years old and don't think often about the fact that not everyone has a tie to emergency skills, what I didn't think about until this happened is how critical something like this in public facilities available for anyone are. I'll never look at one of my projects the same again. The small cost for a SAVE STATION like this one is worth any life it might save. I'm hoping to get some traction to get more installed locally. Sonoma Valley Fire District did demonstrations on how to use an AED as well as CPR after the dedications. Quattrocchi Kwok Architects who designed the facility had an intern who took the SVHS Dragon logo and put the AED symbol into it to help celebrate this day in a beautiful poster. And last but not least, a huge recognition to the PE staff at Sonoma Valley High School that make sure students learn CPR as a basic skill. All three of these boys who acted without hesitation saved their friends life.

It was incredible to meet these people and feel so much warmth and community in everyone who was there. Truly the highlight of my year and a blessing to know so the good that wonderful people in our community do and meet the one true hero.

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08/28/2022

This morning a call for structure fire at the north end of town. Sprinkler activation had occurred in the upstairs bedroom. Northern Sonoma County Fire District engines diverted from training and arrived just before Healdsburg Fire Dept, CALFIRE and Sonoma County Fire District and of course Healdsburg Police Dept. Occupants were out and the fire was contained quickly. Glad that all systems and personnel had such a quick response and kept this from extending.