Released 2008-12-13

Sunrise in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The fires that swept through Yellowstone National Park in 1988 are now legendary, having burned more than 790,000 acres within the park's boundaries. They brought forest fires into the American consciousness in ways that previous fires had not, for they were burning down Yellowstone , a park that holds a very special place in the hearts of millions of people all over the country. Suddenly everyone seemed affected, not just those who could see the flames or smell the smoke.

The fires did not only destroy, however. They also ushered in a wave of renewal in the park. The ash left behind was very nutrient-dense, and plants and animals flourished in the scarred environment. New plant life quickly replaced the blackened debris, while grizzly bear and elk preferred foraging in the burned areas over the non-burned areas.

Fires continue to occur within the park, some controlled burns, others begun by careless people or Mother Nature. And sometimes, at the right time of day, the sky itself seems to catch fire, though there is not a flame in sight.

This is a limited edition photograph with a total of 500 photos printed across all sizes, as noted