Fire Crew: Stories From the Fireline

by Ben Walters, Kelly Andersson (Editor), Kari Greer (Photographer)

Every year, thousands of young men and women think they would like a job as a wildland firefighter. And every year, tens of thousands of them do it — they fight the summer battles of wildfire on the forests and grasslands of the West. Some die. Some have the times of their lives. And many forge lifelong friendships and collect the memories of a lifetime. This is the first book to vividly and honestly portray what it's really like — from the spine-chilling fear of a wildfire entrapment to the simple joys of a warm meal and a chilled soda. From the steep mountainsides of Idaho to the sweltering humidity of Florida, Ben Walters tells the stories of the fires he fought and the friends he made during his years as a wildland firefighter. FIRE Stories from the Fireline is the real thing, a must-read for anyone who's done it or wanted to.

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 3, 2011

Reviews

[Dustin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually read the paperback version of this book which I recieved as a gift because I am...ahem... friends with the authors wife. I was worried before reading it as to how I would review it because, honestly, the life of a fire fighter is not exactly what I would consider my style. I was pleasantly surprised as I got into it. Yes, it is about firefighting, but it's written with a fairly light, somewhat humorous, hand. For a first time author, it was extremely well written. Yes, some of it was a little to manly for me, and I may have skimmed over some of the more descriptive parts but aside from fire fighting it is a compelling coming of age story depicting the rough and tumble life style of growing up in a blue collar job in the American West. A book that spoke to me culturally rather than an honest understanding of what these brave men and women go through

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a wildland firefighter with over twenty years of experience I found this book to be awesome. I certainly identified with many of the author's fears, frustrations and triumphs. A must read for the ground pounder, fire virgins and knuckle draggers out there as well as for anyone interested in what motivates firefighters to actually want to hike miles in to a blazing forest to do battle with the dragon.

[Anthony Misner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I enjoyed watching the transition from High School graduate looking for a Summer job before heading to college to tried & true wild land firefighter. Ben tells it all from the good to bad decisions. M err. Walters paints an accurate picture of Life on the line. Thank you.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It takes place about the same time I started on a fire crew, and just a couple hours south. It is filled with great stories from on and off the fireline.

[Jill Moughamian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not actually finish, disappointed to find out how firefighters use their down time, NOT going to be recommending to my 17 yr old that wants to become a firefighter.