Volunteers of every age are put to work filling sand bags as the basic battle of man versus nature takes place yet again.

Forest fires are often in remote areas with difficult access where little can be done to limit damage. As natural events, fires clear areas for new growth to occur, but when the flames turn toward communities, areas housing endangered species, or historic locations, the losses can be devastating.

Livestock wanders through an abandoned village where trees and houses have collapsed from the explosive eruption of Mt. Colo (Indonesia) and from the weight of the ash.