[Rob Barron]

I like the idea of using the fire to silhouette the people but I have to say it hasn't worked to its fullest extent here. I hope you understand this first comment....

I feel too safe!

I (the viewer) am far enough away to feel safe and not feel the fire is endangering me at all. I want to feel the ferocity of that fire and experience some of the devastation caused by it. I can see a fireman (because of the reflective patches on his clothes but he's well back so he isn't in danger. I can't actually see him doing very much to end the fire, no hose and spray or anything like that.

The guy on the right might be a fireman (but doesn't look like it) or could be anyone else. His head is lost in the BG and so he doesn't add anything to the picture.

I know this sounds harsh but I am not trying to be nor do I want to discourage you at all. But as you entered this to be published by a newspaper, I am thinking the way an editor would think. He wants the fire to be a powerful demonstration of the destructive forces of nature, and if people are involved then that pulls at the emotions of the viewer much more.

Get right in behind that fireman (with a long lens, not saying go and get in his way or put yourself in danger!) and use his recognisable silhouette to pull us into the fire (well, almost!) and let us almost become the fireman himself, trying to put an end to the devastation becing caused by a careless match!

Cheers,
Rob