This Picture Is Being Called The Photo Of 2020

There have been countless memes and TikTok videos trying to sum up 2020 - but this moving photo has provided an unintentionally spot-on metaphor for this year.

The image in question was taken by Associated Press photographer Noah Berger of the devastating wildfires that have been spreading across northern California for several weeks.

Taken outside of a senior centre in Napa County, it shows a sign that says 'wear a mask, wash your hands, social distance, stay safe. Come join us' engulfed by flames.

Many members of the online community were quick to point out the symbolic imagery, which alludes to the issues of climate change and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

PA

One Twitter user said: "Your reminder that the climate crisis hasn't stopped for a global pandemic," while another simply wrote: "2020 in a single remarkable photo."

A third pointed out: "Every week there seems to be a new photo that sums up 2020 in one image. But every week there's some new bulls*** that changes everything."

Joking aside, Covid-19 has added a whole new dimension of danger for the firefighters who are currently tackling the situation in California.

According to npr, roughly 11,000 lightning strikes over the course of a few days ignited nearly 370 fires that have killed at least five people, and forced tens of thousands to evacuate.

Speaking about the difficulty of battling the fires while considering the pandemic, Cal Fire spokesperson Christine McMorrow said they've introduced new protocols to keep the workforce safe.

JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images

According to McMorrow, the fire crews are already versed in wearing significant personal protective equipment, which includes gloves, face and neck shrouds and protective eyewear.

At the base camps, where team members are required to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, more handwashing stations have been deployed.

She adds: "We are also spreading out. Instead of being in a concentrated smaller space, we're taking up more space."

The Governor of California Gavin Newsom addressed the wildfires during the Democratic National Convention on Thursday (20 August).

Instead of his planned light-hearted address, Newsom instead presented a video taken in a forest near Watsonville in Santa Cruz County, stating that the fires confirm the reality of climate change.

He said: "If you are in denial about climate change, come to California."

Topics: US News

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Daisy is a UK-based freelance journalist with too many opinions. She loves everything film and music-related and has a track record writing for Little White Lies, BWRC, and Film Daily. Contact her at [email protected]