From: Frank Staples <skylinefirepest@pinehurst.net>
To: <info@stellarimages.com>
Subject: face of the "beast"
Date: Thursday, September 27, 2001 6:06 PM

Hi there,   I am a fire and rescue photographer in Southern Pines, N.C.
and I can definitely tell you that almost all experienced firemen have
seen the face of the "beast" in photographs.  You do not see this
phenomenon in real life...only in the photos afterwards.  It is, of
course, simply the form of the flames or smoke and that is why you don't
see it in real time.
     It is something that most firemen look for specifically when
looking at fire photos.  The "beast" is fire and firemen (especially the
first in crews) will refer to it later as "I fought the beast and kicked
his butt!"
     I have several really great pictures of the "beast" and thought you
might be interested in the explanation of this occurrence.
     Frank Staples
     Station Photographer, Circle V Fire Dept.
     Moore County, N.C.
 