Photography in a wildfire

So I am headed out West to photograph a wedding, and it appears as though I am going to be in the middle of a wildfire. Obviously, my first concern is for the people of the area who are suffering, and for what is happening to the beautiful landscape. But I also have to be concerned with the tools I have that help me make money...

Assuming the area is not evacuated and the wedding occurs as planned, does anyone have any recommendations regarding protecting my equipment?

My first thought is to just mount lenses on my bodies before I leave and not switch them while I am out there.

But is that enough? Will the ashes get into my equipment regardless? Or can I treat this like a trip to the ocean/beach?

Am I just over-reacting?

TIA.
-Chris

Chris, which fire? I have relatives who are evacuated because of the colorado springs fire. I've been watching it closely. As long as you arent too close to the fireline there will be a minimal effect on your gear.

I would treat it as a trip to the beach. Minimize lens swap, etc. Just pay attention to wind strength/direction and exercise common sense.

Gonzo. It is in that exact area, Colorado springs.

irishguy_wi wrote in post #14633951
Gonzo. It is in that exact area, Colorado springs.

I dont know which venue you are planning on shooting, but as of now everything in the city and manitou are open. We have a family cabin up ute pass thats part of the evacuation area. Unless the fire shifts dramatically I think most places are still open.

thanks Gonzo. prayers are with your family.

irishguy_wi wrote in post #14634388
thanks Gonzo. prayers are with your family.

Thanks, enjoy your visit. I spend a couple weeks a year out there, let me know if I can help in any way with info.

AvailableLight wrote in post #14633850
I would treat it as a trip to the beach. Minimize lens swap, etc. Just pay attention to wind strength/direction and exercise common sense.

That should be all you'll need to do. The biggest concern would be falling ash.

So everything went well. It was quite hazy, but beautiful in its own way.
As a bit of irony, my 70-200 now is on its way to Canon for cleaning after a giant spec appeared on an internal element. I don't think it happened because of the springs, but it certainly happened out there.

I'd keep a rocket blower in my pocket and a lens pen brush handy and use them often...

Good luck with the shoot.