This Is What It Is Like To Be Inside a Wildfire

This year saw another season of dry weather and high winds which led to yet another round of devastating fires. An expansive blaze in Northern Califronia has now burned nearly 90,000 acres, according to local reports. The fire has destroyed more than 500 structures and left hundreds of people around Redding, California, hurrying to protect their homes, businesses and communities.

National Geographic spoke with photographer Mark Thiessen, a certified wildland firefighter, about what causes these terrible fires and how they can be stopped. Through his footage, you can see wildfire damage up close. Watch below.

“Mother Nature causes fires and Mother Nature puts them out. These fires are pushed by the perfect combination of wind, temperature, and low humidity,” said Thiessen to Nat Geo. “Until the weather changes, the best firefighters can do is herd the fire around and do their best to protect lives and property. Only when the wind stops, the temperature drops, and the humidity rises do the fires start to put themselves out.”