Fire Flight: A Wildfire Escape

by Cedar Pruitt, Chiara Fedele (Illustrator)

Flames consume a forest, and an owl seeks refuge. Helicopter wings chop, and water drops to drench the branches below. Using spare, lyrical language, this debut picture book takes readers inside the journey of a screech owl that fled the flames to ride along with a firefighting helicopter during the 2020 California Creek wildfire. Vivid imagery highlights the fear and danger of the experience--as well as an astonishing moment of connection.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Nature, Science, Birds, Climate Change, Environment

32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 3, 2024

About the author

Cedar Pruitt, M.Ed., is a children's author and poet. Her published work features themes of connection, discovery, humor, suspense, and the magic of forests.

Her debut picture book, FIRE FLIGHT: A Wildfire Escape, illustrated by Chiara Fedele (Capstone), was named a 2025 Best Children's Book of the Year by Bank Street College of Education. This lyrical exploration of an owl’s real-life flight out of a California wildfire - and right into a surprise that made headlines around the world - was also long-listed for a Green Earth Award.

Launching on October 13, 2026:
WHAT MARCEL FOUND: The Incredible Discovery of the Lascaux Cave Paintings, illustrated by David Litchfield, is about four brave children who, in 1940s occupied France, made an astounding discovery that forever changed our view of humanity, and will be published by Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster.

Reviews

[WyCoBackpacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lyrical story draws readers in and connects them with an owl so desperate to escape a wildfire, it takes refuge in a water-bombing helicopter. Cedar Puritt retells this true story in a poem fashion, with sparse but evocative words that build tension and emotion without overwhelming young readers. The illustrations are nostalgic of an earlier era of picture books, creating a safe feeling even in the midst of the fire crisis. A must-have for all children who love owls.

[Steena Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved learning about the owl who seeked refuge during a forest wildfire. A special moment between the owl and helicopter pilot is beautifully captured through lovely lyrical text and striking illustrations. This true and touching story highlights animal appreciation and fire prevention awareness. A wonderful read for readers of all ages!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elaborating on an incredible but true story this fantastic book finishes with things that those of us in the Northwoods are all too familiar with. A MUST READ!
The illustrations by Chiara Fedele are incredibly lifelike, detailed, and absolutely moving.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Star Bright Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
@CBCBook #Wildfires #ScreechOwl #FireFighters

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book, FIRE FLIGHT, features a true story of an owl escaping a burning wildfire in the most unlikely refuge—a firefighting helicopter. Author Cedar Pruitt’s exquisite lyrical language combined with illustrator Chaira Fedele’s gorgeous art truly made this incredible story come to life. As a huge animal lover, I fell in love with this owl right from the start and know readers and educators of all ages will feel the same. This book has it all -- courage, heart, and hope. A MUST READ!

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an astonishing true account this is! Inspired by the actual experience of a forest-fire-fighting helicopter pilot in 2020, it feels both eerily authentic and remarkably mystical. FIRE FLIGHT: A WILDLIFE ESCAPE is written by Cedar Pruitt and illustrated by Chiara Fedde. About a month into the raging California Creek Fire, one small, desperate owl flew into the open door of a water-dropping helicopter, seeking escape from the inferno below.
The illustrations and minimalist, lyrical text brush the edges of emotions of the startled pilot and of the owl. No dramatic assignments of panic or relief are assigned. Rather the simple tale and realistic illustrations convey the intensely dramatic scenes and relationship as they flew together for the duration of several water scoops and drops. Eventually, with no more fanfare than that of its arrival, the owl exited the chopper to make its way through what remained of its habitat.

An author note at the back anchors this breathtaking story in the dates and events of the fires, the owl-arrival-and departure, and the eventual taming of a historic and destructive forest fire. Without belaboring the point, both some brief early text and a short back-matter list reference the related concern of climate change and drought to such sustained and damaging fires. The ideas provided are very age appropriate and encourage readers to see their everyday choices as affecting a larger environment.

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book made distinctive by the real-life incident it focuses on, and the strong visuals. As for the text, I found it too much of a poetic mish-mash – rhyming when it could and not worried about the rest of the time – for my tastes. But others will be more on board with it. We are watching an owl, stuck in the middle of a Californian forest fire, who has to leave its beloved trees, but at least temporarily finds somewhere safe to land – an empty co-pilot's seatback on a fire-fighting helicopter. The chopper pilot was able to snatch a photo of it sat there, which we get to close, but apparently it hung round for a few passes over the water the 'copter was fetching.

We're invited – and at least not forced – to imagine the mental message of thanks and cooperation from bird to aviator, but this is a way to mark a real beat in time, and just to marvel at the flukiness of it, and not dwell on any lesson from bird to human. We do get the suitable anti-fire, ecological message to wrap things up, but the juxtaposition between wild animal and evidently calm pilot remains the chief take-out. As such I have to be wary of marking the book and not the happenstance, so – on the evidence of the script used here – this is three and a half stars.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This narrative is based on the experience that helicopter pilot, Dan Alpiner had when fighting the Creek Fire in the fall of 2020.

On October 12, "he was dropping water on the fire when a Western Screech-Owl flew through an open window in the helicopter." The backmatter contains the pilot's photo of this owl perched on inside of his aircraft. It's a compelling photo, but more compelling is this picture book.

The author and illustrator made a children's book about this encounter.

The prose is very lyric, and the illustrations are very expressive and dynamic.

"The pilot gasped. Would the owl attack? Scratch with talons? Bit with Beak? No. Feet gripped the seat, owl wings paused their beat, and the only sound was chop, chop, chop." The page with this text has the faces of both pilot and owl side by side (verso and recto) from just their nose/beak upward, emphasizing their eyes. The pilot is giving the owl the side eye; the owl has a calm, piercing gaze facing the reader. It's engaging!

[Laurie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved learning about this exciting true story, and the experience was made even better by the lovely lyrical text and gripping, colorful illustrations. Readers will be moved by the plight of the owl and as surprised as the fire-fighting helicopter pilot must have been when the owl flies in through the helicopter's window and stays a while before finally returning to apparent safety. The back matter enriches the story by including an actual photograph of the owl sitting on the empty co-pilot's seat, a note from the author with more information and context--including a mention of how climate change is contributing to wildfires--and a list of real, meaningful actions kids (and their families) can take to help prevent wildfires and protect habitats. This book is a wonderful story in its own right, but it can also serve as a useful resource for introducing both the impacts of climate change and things we can all do to help reduce them.

[Randi Sonenshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this unforgettable debut, author Cedar Pruitt leaves no doubt that she is a masterful storyteller whose work will be gracing our shelves for years to come. In this true tale, a lone Western Screech Owl escapes the flames of a forest fire by swooping into a firefighter’s helicopter. After resting, and once the pilot is in safe territory, the owl leaves as swiftly as it came. The cadence, and imagery of Pruitt’s gorgeous poetic text conveys the danger and urgency of the owl’s dramatic flight, and is complemented beautifully by Chiara Fedele’s sweeping, color-drenched artwork. A fascinating author’s note details the inspiration behind the story, including the original photo from pilot Dan Alpiner. This gorgeous picture book would be a marvelous addition to every library, classroom, and home collection.

[Colleen Olle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This true-life story features one small screech owl forced from its forest home by a wildfire. Fleeing the flames, the furry creature flies inside a helicopter. Surprised, the pilot continues to carry and drop water on the forest below. Lyrical language (“Flames loomed. Smoke bloomed.”), haunting repetition (“nowhere to go”), and engaging onomatopoeia (“chop, chop, chop” “drip, drip, drop”) keep readers engrossed, while a note from the author and suggestions for how to take action to combat climate change educate and inspire. The illustrations, especially of the screech owl, are lush and gorgeous, and the amazing encounter between the owl and pilot underscores the undeniable connection between the natural world and us, its caretakers. A lovely picture book indeed.

[Julia Wasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living close to areas in southern California subject to terrifying wildfires, it's hard to say that a book about wildfire is beautiful. But this one is. Based closely on a true story, it features a close-up on what happens to one frightened little owl when it encounters a fire-fighting helicopter, and the owl and pilot share an amazing connection. I remember reading this story in the news, and I'm charmed by the book that resulted. Poetic language and rhymes make this an engaging read-aloud. Illustrations are dramatic and gorgeous. A great addition to any collection of books about wildfire or human/animal connections.

[Kelly | Bookmarks 'n Blankets · Rating 4 out of 5]

After learning that this story is based on a real-life event and experience makes it more impactful. Wildfires are devastating and heartbreaking, but they happen. This is a story about an owl trying to escape a forest fire and finding refuge in a firefighting helicopter. The illustrations are beautiful and make the story more emotional.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

[Jamie Bills · Rating 5 out of 5]

With few words, this lyrical book does a great job of pulling you in and making you care about the poor owl’s survival during the forest fire. I felt the worry of the owl and the importance of the firefighter’s work. I may have even cheered a little when the land was safe enough for the owl to return.
FIRE FLIGHT has many onomatopoeias and would make an excellent read-aloud. One of my favorite parts is the photo in the back of the book of the real-life owl who flew into the helicopter during the fire. Such a cool story.

[Carrie Kruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible true story, told in captivating lyrical language perfect for a read-aloud, with vivid illustrations that bring the reader right into the heart-pounding action. Kids will be fascinated by this thrilling but not too scary encounter between an adorable owl and a fire-fighting helicopter pilot, high above a raging forest fire. Love that the back matter includes the original photograph of the owl that inspired the book, taken by the pilot himself from his seat in the helicopter! A book that even adults will love to read again and again (and again :)

[Dara Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire Flight: A Wildfire Escape is such a beautiful book. It’s about an owl who seeks safety during a forest fire. With lyrical text, punctuated with onomatopoeias, and beautiful illustrations, this is a wonderful story about fire prevention. My favorite part was a special moment with the owl and the pilot (and there’s more information in the back along with a photograph). This book would be a fantastic addition to a classroom or home library and perfect discussion starter about wildfires and prevention. Great read for all ages!

[Darius Billings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the owl in the firefighting helicopter. I like that it camouflages to gray trees easily, and that little owl was probably a baby owl. It’s crazy to have an owl fly into a helicopter. It’s almost impossible that it didn’t scratch with its talons, bite with its beak, or attack Dan Alpiner.

The Creek Fire is one of the biggest wildfires in Californian history. It’s not good. It took more than three months to put it out. I feel bad for the owl that lost its home for quite a long time.

[Lindsay Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true story that drills down to the effects of climate change and our interconnectedness with nature. When an owl faces fire in its forest, it flies into a helicopter cockpit for brief refuge. Lyrical text and urgent illustrations grip the reader as we wonder, what will the owl do? This story drills down our common plight in just a few, lyrical words: we're all in this together. Love that this book takes a huge, overwhelming topic and makes it personal.

[Kate Allen Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating telling of a true story of an owl's escape from wildfire. This lyrical and beautifully illustrated picture book is approachable introduction to many of today's most pressing issues--wildfire, environmentalism, and climate change. Back matter provides additional information on the true story and ways kids can help be part of the solution. Recommend for families, schools, and libraries.

[Alison Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire Flight is a beautifully illustrated, lyrical account of a remarkable real-life event: A tiny screech owl sought refuge inside a fire-fighting helicopter and accompanied the pilot for several trips to dump water before returning to the safety of the post-fire forest. This book is perfect for parents and children interested in the effect of forest fires on wildlife or curious about unexpected encounters between wild animals and people.

[Megan Litwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this unique tale that recounts the true story of a screech owl that flew into a firefighting helicopter during the 2020 California Creek wildfire. This incredible story will fascinate young readers, but it is the WAY it is told that stands out most to me. Lyrical language meets science and fact…and the result is something dramatic and engaging and fresh. Great for classrooms and home alike!

[Leslie Barnard Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A joy to read aloud, Fire Flight is the true story of an owl who escaped a wildfire by perching inside a fire fighter's helicopter. With beautiful, poetic text and illustrations that expertly convey drama and tension, this book is sure to captivate young readers. They will feel like they are in that helicopter with pilot and owl, wondering what will happen next. Highly recommend!

[Laura Roettiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a lyrical STEM picture book and Fire Flight did not disappoint. Based on a true story of a devastating fire, (something I know about all too well) but made accessible for a child through author Cedar Pruitt’s use of an owl which is also part of the true story according to the informative author’s note. Beautiful color palette and realistic illustrations add to the story.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I read a digital copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley.
This amazing true story of a screech owl that flies through the open helicopter window of a fire fighting helicopter is amazing. The illustrations bring the smoky skies to life and the owl is so life-like. A beautiful picture book reminds readers about the consequences of climate change.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tragedy, the 2020 California Creek wildfire but a quick-thinking screech owl has the ride of his life. He takes a flight on a firefighting helicopter which saves his life, Nonfiction brought vividly to life as you can easily imagine through illustrations provided.


I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sandra Appleby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't say enough good about this little book. It is beautifully written. It has gorgeous illustrations. It connects the reader to an owl and its plight then immediately takes us on a journey with the owl and a helicopter pilot. This book provides fabulous inspiration to care for wildlife, has a great message, is on an important topic and is very relatable.

[Jenna Stensland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful nonfiction story about an owls journey to safety in an unlikely place. It will entrance young ones and the added photo will add to the charm. The illustrations are gorgeous and I am so glad it included things we could do to help prevent forest fires as well.

[Michelle Schaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pruitt’s skillful use of onomatopoeia and lyrical language engrosses readers in the page-turning, true plight of one owl escaping from a forest fire. Back matter provides specific, actionable steps readers can take to help make safer environments for all of Earth’s inhabitants.

[Katey Howes · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent addition to any nonfiction collection! Both the illustrations and flowing, lyrical text draw the reader in instantly as author and illustrator tell an unexpected true story worth reading over and over again. Back matter creates space for more connections, learning, and exploration.

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on an amazing true story, this book tells the story of a small own and a big fire, how the fire was put out and the owl got a lift from a helicopter. Back matter adds information about wildfires, prevention, and how to help with climate change. Affecting illustrations by ChiaraFedele.

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, I remember when this picture went around! The artwork is great, especially the (small) owl coming in for a landing with talons outstretched. The suggested action items at the back are very individual focused without a mention of what adults are already doing (or can do).