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Wildfire
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.
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.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published April 24, 2006
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 30, 2024
WILDFIRE by Taylor Morrison is another children's book that furthered my adult education. And it was done in one sitting while eating my soup! Sure, they had plenty of pictures that took up a lot of page space, but they complemented the written word rather well. To tell the truth, sometimes I find that colorful artwork conveys the image better than photography.
Not only does this little book explain how forest fires start in nature, but how beneficial they are to the environment and the critters that live there. Did you know that while a fire may destroy brush and small trees, big ones can survive? What happens is that all the dead brush and wood accumulates faster than it can decompose, and during a dry spell all this kindling can catch fire. It burns away all the dead wood and enriches the soil.
Fire fighting techniques are covered. Mention is made of smoke jumpers in their kevlar jumpsuits, who come down through treetops, helitack crews repelling hundreds of feet from choppers, and the rest who trek in miles on foot. Aircraft dump water and red fire-extinguishing chemicals which, ironically, are not good for the environment.
These fire-fighters can be dispatched from the National Interagency Fire Center anywhere from Alaska to Florida. They can even respond to events such as hurricanes and the 9/11 attack.
Before the twentieth century forest fires ran their course. Even American Indians would set fires at times intentionally. Now the loggers and people living out there in the wilderness want their investments protected, but that just makes matters worse. Now the fires are more destructive once they start.
This wasn't in the book but some years ago my uncle's subdivision was burnt out when a government run forest fire to clear brush got out of control. During WWII the Japanese launched light planes from submarines with the intention of starting forest fires by dropping incendiary bombs, but the weather was too wet. Much like the Chinese spy balloons, the Japanese also sent over balloons that dropped bombs at random. Today we now have to worry about dangerous crazy people intentionally setting fires as well. Several have been caught and arrested.
For those interested, this is a great book for kids of all ages.
Not only does this little book explain how forest fires start in nature, but how beneficial they are to the environment and the critters that live there. Did you know that while a fire may destroy brush and small trees, big ones can survive? What happens is that all the dead brush and wood accumulates faster than it can decompose, and during a dry spell all this kindling can catch fire. It burns away all the dead wood and enriches the soil.
Fire fighting techniques are covered. Mention is made of smoke jumpers in their kevlar jumpsuits, who come down through treetops, helitack crews repelling hundreds of feet from choppers, and the rest who trek in miles on foot. Aircraft dump water and red fire-extinguishing chemicals which, ironically, are not good for the environment.
These fire-fighters can be dispatched from the National Interagency Fire Center anywhere from Alaska to Florida. They can even respond to events such as hurricanes and the 9/11 attack.
Before the twentieth century forest fires ran their course. Even American Indians would set fires at times intentionally. Now the loggers and people living out there in the wilderness want their investments protected, but that just makes matters worse. Now the fires are more destructive once they start.
This wasn't in the book but some years ago my uncle's subdivision was burnt out when a government run forest fire to clear brush got out of control. During WWII the Japanese launched light planes from submarines with the intention of starting forest fires by dropping incendiary bombs, but the weather was too wet. Much like the Chinese spy balloons, the Japanese also sent over balloons that dropped bombs at random. Today we now have to worry about dangerous crazy people intentionally setting fires as well. Several have been caught and arrested.
For those interested, this is a great book for kids of all ages.
April 5, 2015
Greatly informative and perfect for 8th grade and up. This gives a comprehensive view of wildlife fire fighting, which is so different from fighting fires in buildings.
November 1, 2017
The book was interesting especially because I now live in the Pacific Northwest and have to experience the fires myself.
February 2, 2021
Informative and engaging book about wildfires, how and why they happen, and their effects on the environment, wildlife, and humans.
November 22, 2023
This book has lots of information about the reasons fire can be helpful to forests. It shows the various jobs of firefighters. It can be used for preschoolers, discussing the fires; for elementary & middle schools, about forests & firefighters; and for high school to adult about ecology and detailed science.
August 30, 2025
This book is an excellent introductory tour of wildland firefighting and fire ecology. The illustrations are stunning and accurate. Author Taylor Morrison sought and accepted feedback from a cadre of experts, which shows in the book’s details.
January 26, 2025
Dense nonfiction with tons of illustrations that could have been photos, but they went above and beyond? Sign me up.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews