Wildfire: The Culture, Science, and Future of Fire

by Ferin Davis Anderson, Stephanie Sammartino McPherson

Wildfire is a natural process that takes place in forests and grasslands all over the world. In dry conditions, a single spark can rapidly transform into flames that stretch for miles and sweep across the landscape, burning away everything in their path. Although commonly seen as destructive and deadly, fire is a necessary part of ecosystems; they refresh the land and allow for new plant growth. Environmental scientist Ferin Davis Anderson and author Stephanie Sammartino McPherson examine how Indigenous people, farmers, and forestry departments have used fire to manage resources; why climate change is impacting the frequency and intensity of wildfires; and what the future of fire might look like.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

144 pages, Library Binding

Published April 2, 2024

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

In recent years, the United States has lost more than 7 million acres annually to wildfires, more than twice the annual average of the 1990s. Other countries, such as Canada and Australia, have seen increases in the devastation caused by wildfires. Anderson explores the science of wildfires and the history of policies and attitudes towards wildfires. She examines the connection between climate change and wildfires, and looks at the people and technology available to fight fire. Anderson, an environmental scientist and enrolled citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa/Ojibwe/Anishinaabe/Mitchifs in North Dakota gives a special focus to cultural role of fire in indigenous communities, many of which historically were more accepting of fire as a natural process that keeps ecosystems in balance. The readable text clearly outlines many of the advantages of small fires that clear out overgrown vegetation—making room for new growth, benefiting plant and animal populations, and reducing the fuel for bigger fires that may be difficult to control—while also acknowledging the very real dangers of wildfires to people, property, and the environment. Full color illustrations support the text, and multiple sidebars, maps, and captions provide additional information and encourage browsing. Back pages include a timeline, glossary, sources, and brief bibliography, while an index and table of contents make this an excellent resource for research.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy of Wildfire from the MIEA Conference in 2024.

Wildfire is informative, but not what I'd consider particularly entertaining. But then, I don't think that's the point. The information is interesting and the language is easy to read and understand. I was expecting more of an Indigenous perspective, primarily because of where I received the book. That would have made me more interested in the topic.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

With the recent destruction in Los Angeles due to wildfires, reading this recently published nonfiction about them is even more eye opening. I was aware that fires are good for the environment and specific places rely on them in order to create the rebirth of the area. Heck, there are even plants (like the eucalyptus tree that essentially contribute to fires both because of their flammability and the rebirth after the fire.

Anderson covers a little bit of everything and includes plenty of text boxes with additional topics like inventions and discoveries related to fire and firefighting, people, and events. She also spends a lot of time sharing how important fires are in Indigenous culture.

The other piece I found informative was reframing the Smokey Bear "Only you can prevent forest fires" with Reddy Squirrel and "No one can prevent forest fires. Be ready" because there is a difference between the connotation of a wildfire and forest fire when prescribed burns have always been the norm to rework the land. Plus, natural events and increasing greenhouse gas will always spark fires (in addition to human mistakes) therefore preparation is more important than true prevention.

"Varieties of plants known as pyrophytes (from the Greek words pyro for fire and phyte for plant) to have evolved ingenious ways to protect themselves from fire to ensure the survival of their species.... Eucalyptus trees (or gum trees) are a prime example. Native to Australia and common in California, eucalyptus trees produce a highly flammable oil that vaporizes at high temperatures... Quick to catch fire, a eucalyptus tree burns until the surrounding tinder is consumed, and the fire moves on. Most of the trunk is spared, which can then sprout new branches."

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this time of massive wildfires, this book explains the science of fire and the culture of fire – especially indigenous knowledge, the impact climate change is having on fires, and new ways of handling fires, from prescribed burns to building “fire-proof” communities. A great trove of knowledge for anyone interested in wildfires.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book for young readers, but it turned out to be exactly what I’ve been looking for for awhile. Concise overview of fire ecology, wildfire history, and an indigenous perspective on fire management.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good introductory book on wildfire, geared for younger readers but doesn't talk down at all. Great photos as well. Appreciate the discussion about indigenous cultural burning and the impact of climate change. Nice glossary at the end.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked the information, had issues with some of the layout. It's really neat as a unique history of wildfire in all senses and lives up to its name. I'm not 100% which of my patrons would be interested in it, but I'm positive that some of them will be. Solid 4 stars.

[Danielle Grise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book illustrates another in a long line of examples where humans think they know better than nature. I learned a lot in this book about how necessary fire is to healthy ecosystems. (It certainly has come in handy recently in conversations about current wildfires). This takes a look at how various groups have managed these fires, and what the future of fighting greater fires (due to climate change and mismanagement) looks like. including working with indigenous peoples to go back to some traditional ways of caring for nature. I think that this is an important book.