In June 2007 South Lake Tahoe experienced one of the worst fires in its history: The Angora Fire. Over 3,100 acres were burned and 254 homes were destroyed. It has been more than four years since the fire raged through the area. In that time, homes have been rebuilt and life in the affected neighborhood has moved forward. The forest's recovery, however, is moving at a slower pace.

Photographer Charleen Maxwell has captured images of the beauty that can still be found in the post-fire landscape while she recounts her own story from when she first learned that the forest fire was spreading into the neighborhood where she resides part-time.

Beauty from Ashes depicts the resilience of the Ridge and the beauty that has risen from the ruins.