Running Out of Time: Wildfires and Our Imperiled Forests

by David L. Auchterlonie, Jeffrey A. Lehman

Of all the natural disasters we face on Earth, a wildfire is the only catastrophe that is controllable—and in many cases, predictable. Costing thousands of lives each year and as much as $300 billion annually in the United States alone, wildfires are fueled by human behavior, environmental factors, and in many cases, the mismanagement, ineptitude, and lack of candor by governmental agencies. Running Out of Wildfires and Our Imperiled Forests is the culmination of more than 10 years of extensive research, expert interviews, and personal experience. It exposes the inexplicable policies, practices, and deception of the federal agencies responsible for the nation’s forest oversight, revealing dangerous vulnerabilities in current wildfire suppression systems and forest management practices. Beyond the exhaustive and comprehensive discussion of the root causes and history of wildfires in the U.S., David Auchterlonie and Jeffrey Lehman also provide solutions that can save lives, land, property, and the environment. Both a national and a global threat, the wildfires that make headlines do not exist in isolation, and have drastic consequences for neighboring countries and our collective resources that influence everything from trade to what families eat at night. Despite the challenges ahead, Running Out of Time remains forward-looking and solutions-oriented.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Politics

416 pages, Hardcover

Published July 9, 2023

Reviews

[Ula Tardigrade · Rating 4 out of 5]

With forests burning across much of Canada and acrid smoke enveloping New York City, wildfires are a hot topic, both literally and figuratively. And unfortunately, they are here to stay.

Not surprisingly, many new books are exploring the matter in different ways. If you are looking for a classic, gripping nonfiction piece, I have already recommended the brilliant "Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World" by John Valiant. But if you need a reliable resource to help you sort through all the fire-related information, "Running Out of Time" is a good choice.

The authors have gathered all the expert knowledge on the causes of the current situation, its consequences, and methods to combat it. Deeply researched and full of facts and figures, it may not be a page-turner, but it will be a treat for someone truly interested in the subject. I, for one, found it a valuable addition to my growing wildfire collection.

Thanks to the publisher, Amplify Publishing Group, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.