Top firefighting photos of 2012

Firefighters from North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue and the Jersey City Fire Department battle a large blaze at a multi-family building in early Dec. The flames were so strong they could be seen from miles away. (AP Photo/Joe Epstein)

Firefighters and other responders are still struggling with the aftermath of the Dec. Conn. school shooting that left 26 people dead, including 20 children. In-depth coverage (AP Photo/David G)

Dyrk Burcie, the 4-year-old son of a Dallas firefighter inspired videos and photos worldwide while he battled the disease. Dyrk peacefully passed away at his home in Sept. Full story (Photo courtesy of Dameon Burcie)

Firefighters in this photo dig through the rubble of a collapsed Fla. parking garage in Oct.looking for survivors. Four people were killed. Full story (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Firefighters work at the scene of a house fire in the aftermath of superstorm Sandy in Oct. Four homes were destroyed in the blaze. Full story (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

Two people were killed and 80 others were injured when dense fog caused 140 vehicles to crash on a Southeast Texas highway in Nov., firefighters and other responders pulling people from the wreckage. Full story (Image YouTube)

Water is dropped from a LAFD helicopter in an effort to contain a 3,6000 acre blaze consuming the Angeles National Forest in Sept. High temperatures and rugged terrain made it difficult for firefighters to battle the wildfire.. Full story (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

The first section of the 408-foot spire to crown One World Trade Center is hoisted to by a crane to the top of the structure in Dec. Once building is complete in 2013 it will be 1776 feet. Full story (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

A LAFD firefighter fights a Dec. blaze in West Hollywood, Calif. after an arsonist torched a car, igniting more than a dozen blazes sending crews scrambling to contain them. (AP Photo/Mike Meadows)

An Australian filmmaker was scouting for shooting location in Sept. when he came face to face with a 100-foot high fire whirl. The filmmaker, Chris Tangey, said it sounded like a fighter jet. Full story (Image Chris Tangey)