Car explodes on cue.

Firefighters from the Stacyville (Iowa) Volunteer Fire Department work to extinguish a car fire in a rural part of Mitchell County. The explosion, set off by Marty Parcher, was part of a mock accident scene used to train emergency responders from several surrounding agencies.

Image (c) Allen Murray, Marty Parcher, and Mitchell County (Iowa) Emergency Management Agency

Charles City’s new Charger

Ok, so it’s not exactly that new, I just haven’t had the opportunity to get any good photos of it. The police department has been driving the new Dodge Charger for a few months now and it has generated its fair share of attention. Prior to the arrival of the new car, the city’s fleet of patrol cars was made up of white Fords.

Dousing a brush fire

Personnel from Charles City Fire Department look on as water is applied to a brush fire at Sherman Nursery on June 24th.

Independence Day

Seeing as how I have to work the entire week surrounding July 4th, I will miss out on almost all of the “America’s Hometown” celebration activities. If I run on no sleep, I may get to attend the annual parade, but will defiantly miss out on the fireworks. So with the help of a slow shutter speed, a radio tower equipped with lights, and a little Photoshop I have created my own festive colors.

To all my fellow Americans, I hope you have a safe and happy Fourth of July.