Hey there, thank you for visiting my website. My name is Blake and I am 22 years old. I am the proud owner of Southern Fire Photography LLC. I started this business to shed light on the vital work of our first responders who serve our loving community of Ascension Parish. I believe that our firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, and other first responders deserve recognition and appreciation for their selfless service and sacrifice.
As a photographer, my goal is to "capture the moments that matter" most and showcase the bravery and resilience of our first responders. Through my lens, I aim to give the public a glimpse into the daily lives of our first responders, their training, and the challenges they face.
Ascension Parish is a beautiful place to live, work, and raise a family. However, many people are unaware of the risks and dangers that our first responders face on a daily basis. As a result, my work aims to inform and educate the public about the important role that first responders play in our community.
I am passionate about my work and take great pride in capturing the moments that matter. I hope that my photographs will inspire others to appreciate and support our first responders, and to recognize the sacrifices they make to keep us safe. And give the chance to inspire you and others to become a first responder or even help make your community better place.
Behind the
Check out some of our work!
Grab some popcorn and come check out some of the sideshows of our work and embrace the true meaning of
"Capturing the Moments That Matter"
Our Interview with
ASCENSION PARISH - A volunteer firefighter in Ascension Parish is using his hobby of photography to bring the public into their world.
Blake Stone has what some could call a burning passion for capturing the moment. As a volunteer firefighter, he knows from firsthand experience what it takes to stand on the front lines and serve the community.
"It's a great way to show what we are, who we are, and what we do," Stone said.
With his brand, Southern Fire Photography, Stone is breaking down the barriers between what the public thinks firefighters do, and what they actually go through on a daily basis.
"This is a way for everybody in the public to see what we do on the back side. Because a lot of people just see fire trucks going around and they wonder where are they going?"
Stone got his start with fire photography in 2022, two years after Ascension Fire Coordinator Gene Witek passed away from Covid-19. Witek had been taking pictures of his teams in action for years before that, and Stone picked up where Witek left off.
"Since his passing, nobody has taken the initiative to do so. So, I took the initiative and decided let's capture these moments for these firefighters to reflect back on."
Today, it's all about finding the beauty in tragedy for Stone. His photos illustrate the bravery and sacrifice made by Ascension Parish firefighters every day.
"We work together as one team, and we train together as one team to continue to provide these amazing services to our great residents of Ascension."
Overturned 18-Wheeler/ Hazmat Incident
On Monday, May 5, 2024, Sorrento Volunteer Fire Department along with the St. Amant Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to HWY 22 and HWY 70 at the Roundabout for reports of a tanker truck on its side. No injuries were reported at the scene. As fire crews approached the scene they noticed the truck was carrying "Sodium Hydroxide" (ERG 1824 Liquid) which is a common ingredient in cleaners and soaps. Fire requested for the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office Hazmat team who then responded quickly to the scene. Further, as the event proceeded, Louisiana State Police Hazmat was contacted alongside the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The scene was cleaned up by a contracted company and was disposed of properly contained and transported. The incident occurred at 11:37am and did not clear until 9:30pm later that evening.