Forests on Fire

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-- Using the 1988 Yellowstone fires as a starting point, this well-documented work explains the role of fire in forest environments, the rationale and background of governmental policies, and the specialists involved in controlling fires. There is a wealth of material describing the chemistry and physics of forest fires, types, and the tools and techniques of suppression. Vogt's 1989 visit to Yellowstone and the chapter ``Controversy'' are personal and lively accounts that balance the detailed, encyclopediac information in other chapters. The extensive bibliography is impressive, confirming that Vogt has made difficult material accessible not only to teens, but to anyone needing a clear exposition of this complex topic. Knapp's Fire (Steck-Vaughn, 1990) does not specifically deal with forest fires and Satchwell's Fire (Dial, 1983; o.p.) is limited to a discussion of its benefits; both are for younger readers. --Meryl Silverstein, American Museum of Natural History, New York City