Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
Every summer, wildfires spread through the forests of the western United States, threatening homes and entire communities in their paths. Hundreds of firefighters work tirelessly to control this extremely powerful and unpredictable force of nature. But despite the seemingly devastating effects of wildfires, they also play an essential role in forest ecosystems.
For anyone who has ever been fascinated by the awesome power of fire, or intrigued by the courageous and carefully coordinated efforts of firefighters, Taylor Morrison’s beautiful and thoroughly researched book takes a comprehensive look at wildfires, their causes, and the methods employed to control them.
Synopsis
Every summer, wildfires spread through the forests of the western United States, threatening homes and entire communities in their paths. Hundreds of firefighters work tirelessly to control this extremely powerful and unpredictable force of nature. But despite the seemingly devastating effects of wildfires, they also play an essential role in forest ecosystems.
For anyone who has ever been fascinated by the awesome power of fire, or intrigued by the courageous and carefully coordinated efforts of firefighters, Taylor Morrison’s beautiful and thoroughly researched book takes a comprehensive look at wildfires, their causes, and the methods employed to control them.
Children's Literature
Hot, dry summers produce forest fires that require hundreds of trained firefighters and volunteers to bring them under control. Well-researched and colorfully illustrated, Morrison details how fires develop and the conditions that cause them to rage out of control, the tireless work of the firefighters, the equipment used not only to fight fires but also to predict them, and the attention to detail required to bring this destructive force of nature under control. This is only part of the story. Morrison makes a strong case for the use of prescribed fires. These controlled fires are necessary to thin the Ponderosa pine forests and stabilize the ecosystem. Unfortunately these fires are not popular with the public, but the author makes a strong case for their use. The narrative is precise and as intense as its subject, and it does require very careful reading. In some cases it is necessary to re-read sections for full comprehension, but one is rewarded with a very informative and thorough discussion of wildfires. Dramatic paintings depict the power of fire, and smaller drawings are explicit in illustrating the finer points of the text. Pair this with Patricia Lauber's Summer of Fire for a fascinating look at nature in one of its most powerful moments.
Editorials
From the Publisher
"A fascinating overview of the people involved in fighting wildfires and the techniques and equipment they use. Detailed paintings aid in explaining how firefighters work and in describing the natural conditions that lead to initial fires and more dangerous developments such as blowups."—SLJ, starred School Library Journal, Starred"Morrison presents a convincing argument for the importance of prescribed fires to restore and preserve the ponderosa pine forests." Horn Book