Land on Fire: The New Reality of Wildfire in the West

by Gary Ferguson

“This comprehensive book offers a fascinating overview of how those fires are fought, and some conversation-starters for how we might reimagine our relationship with the woods.” —Bill McKibben, author of Making a Life on a Tough New Planet
 
Wildfire season is burning longer and hotter, affecting more and more people, especially in the west. Land on Fire explores the fascinating science behind this phenomenon and the ongoing research to find a solution. This gripping narrative details how years of fire suppression and chronic drought have combined to make the situation so dire. Award-winning nature writer Gary Ferguson brings to life the extraordinary efforts of those responsible for fighting wildfires, and deftly explains how nature reacts in the aftermath of flames. Dramatic photographs reveal the terror and beauty of fire, as well as the staggering effect it has on the landscape.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Environment, Nature, Book Club, History

212 pages, Hardcover

Published June 21, 2017

About the author

Nature writer, 1956-
Award-winning author Gary Ferguson has written for a variety of national publications, including Vanity Fair and the Chicago Tribune, and is the author of twenty-six books on nature and science. His memoir, The Carry Home, which the Los Angeles Times called “gorgeous, with beauty on every page,” was awarded “Best Nature book of the Year” by the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute. Gary is the co-founder of Full Ecology, with his wife, social scientists Mary M. Clare.

Reviews

[Judd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living in Utah, everyone already knows that every summer is going to bring smoky skies and black hills. It's become a way of life. Last weekend, we had four separate fires start in and around urbanish areas so I thought that was a sign from the almighty Hephaestus that it was time to read this book. Unfortunately I didn't own this book until I stole it from my girlfriend's shelf. Truth be told, I'd been eyeballing it for some time, waiting for a prime opportunity to strike.

I'm glad I did. This is an excellent crash course book on fires, firefighting, consequences of fires, etc. It is also peppered throughout with amazing photos of burning terrain and firefighting equipment, planes, retardants, etc. that tie in perfectly to the text. I don't think I had to google anything even though I ran across a lot of terms that I was unfamiliar with. That’s how well be simplifies everything. For example, a pulaski is a special type of ax with a special tool on the back called an adze that aids in rapidly switching back and forth between chopping and digging ditches. Pulaski? Adze? Never heard of them before but now I know exactly what they are.

For 200 or so pages, this book encompasses a lot of information. I'd imagine it would take ten separate books to cover each individual topic but Ferguson manages to deliver adequately for a beginner with no filler. From the history of the US Forest Service under Teddy Roosevelt and the lasting consequences of their actions to a likely future of more megafires and the potential positive feedback loop caused by fires, global warming, invasive species, etc. There is also a section on how to protect yourself as a homeowner in the event of a fire and the best measures to take to prevent catastrophe before it strikes.

Sadly, the trend seems likely to continue and the future is fire and I cannot recommend this book enough. Super informative, super easy read, super well done. Short and full of pictures. No excuses.

[S.J. Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The why behind wildfire The wildfires of 2015 were the most devastating on record; more than 9 million acres burned across North America and the United States spent more than 2 billion dollars fighting and suppressing the fires. 2016 is expected to be even worse: by May, more than 1.6 million acres had already burned. Wildfire season is burning longer and hotter, affecting more and more people, especially in the west.”
More academic than entertaining, this is a valuable asset for firefighters as well as those interested in wildland fire. If you live in the woods or anywhere near them, I highly recommend you read this. Not necessarily to understand fires, but to see what exactly is involved. Living out in the country myself, Ii’m grateful that I chose to read this book. Very informative. Easy to understand. If you know nothing about the science of fires, you will learn a great deal after reading this book. This is a book for anyone that wants to obtain a deeper understanding of fires. It explores the science behind fires and the research being done to find a solution. You'll learn about the heroic efforts of those responsible for fighting fire, how years of fire suppression and chronic drought have combined to make the situation more dire, and how nature reacts in the aftermath of flames. Color photographs throughout reveal the beauty and terror of fire and the stunning effect it has on the landscape. Land on Fire is for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of our time of fire. It is obvious to me that a great deal of research and work went into this book!
Disclaimer: Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it!

[I'mogén · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this through Netgalley, but that doesn't alter my opinion.

From the start I thought the author had taken an interesting direction, explaining how wildfires can be a good thing (i.e. cleansing soils and increasing some species diversity) as well as a bad thing (i.e. the loss of historical forests, homes and lives).

The prologue really gripped me; it was very powerful and the use of photographs throughout really helped to put things into perspective at times, as well as being quite stunning.

I will say that some of the photos were awkwardly placed, breaking up the flow of the text.

I learned so much from this book. One of them being that you can tell exactly when a fire hit a particular area by analyzing the trees' "fire scars". I thought that was such an interesting concept and I loved that some people call trees "the keepers of landscape history". That title makes plenty of sense!

It's so interesting to see how one fire outbreak has a knock on effect to other species and before you know it, both flora and fauna are suffering. It's quite shocking how in one case the extent of the damage is truly diabolical, whilst in another case, it does great things for the diversity of the area.

I appreciated how much the author knew, granted it did feel a bit excessive at times, but honestly, I was never at a loss for information, plus it was written in an easy to understand way too (for the most part), so that was helpful.

Sometimes we were brought back this hypothetical scenario, that was embedded throughout, and this was helpful in picturing the life of a firefighter, but at other times it felt a little out of place.

I'd say the only real reason this didn't get a 5 star was because I wasn't always drawn to pick it back up and where it was mainly centered around America, it wasn't directly relevant to me (which is kind of good actually, because I don't want to live near wildfires!!), so I couldn't always put areas into context.

Overall, this was a really insightful, nonfiction book, that helped to shed some light on wildfires and what they can do to an area, in a short amount of time.

Pick it up, give it ago and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
I thought this was a pretty informative introduction to fighting modern forest fires. I certainly learned a lot that I didn't previously know; but I think the book is best suited to people like me. If you had any substantial knowledge going in, I don't know that it would add much. I wouldn't call this a research text.

I appreciated that Ferguson didn't refer to all his hypothetical fire fighters as male (it's the little things that make a difference sometimes) and the book is quite readable, with a lot of pictures to help visualize the subject matter. Further, while I expected the answer to the posed question of 'Why are fires getting bigger, hotter and more frequent?' to be 'climate change,' it was a lot more nuanced than I expected (even if climate change was a large part of it).

I did notice that a lot of the quotes are from the same few people, much of the researched cited comes from the same few institutions (there apparently aren't a lot funded to study fire), and there are fairly few citations (less than 10 for most chapters and many of those from online). So, it felt like the knowledge pool tapped was fairly shallow. But again, for an introduction to the subject, intended for lay people, I think it's worth picking up.

[Abby Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting and informative read about the past, present, and future of wildfire in the US. It gets pretty sciencey at times, discussing climate change and plant growth, but in a way that’s easy to understand and still kept me interested.

The most interesting part for me was the chapter on fighting fire. As someone who works at wildfire camps, it was cool to learn more about how they decide to fight the fires and predict how the fire will act and grow. Also hearing about major fires of the past and how they learned from them. I’m curious if I’ll understand more things they’re discussing at briefings this fire season after reading this.

If you’re interested in wildfires at all this is a great read with some amazing wildfire photos throughout!

[Shanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this on the shelf at the library and grabbed it without ever having hear of it before. I hardly ever do that, but it turned out to be fascinating and I read it in two days. I don't think everyone will love it, but having recently read The Hidden Life of Trees, I was already interested in forests. It also helps that it has lots of pictures. 😆

[Carly Powers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful overview of wildfire in the US, as well as just a neat coffee-table book with stunning photography.

Will return to this one while writing for direction for deeper research.

[Judd Street · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alongside Ed Struzik's "Dark Days at Noon," I think Gary Ferguson's "Land on Fire" represents one of the more solid introductions to wildfire that I'd offer a casual reader.

The majority of the book uses a "tick tock" style analysis of a hypothetical fire Ferguson imagines in Colorado, from detection to response to recovery. The book also does a better job than I've seen from most public-aimed, introductory wildfire books at laying out some of the institutional aspects of the response, from the different agencies involved to more nuanced aspects like Burned Area Emergency Response Teams.

It's also worth shouting out the fantastic, ongoing use of photography throughout. While I'd like to see it more firmly integrated into the narrative and analysis of the book, unlike many other introductory books, Ferguson leverages this highly visual nature of wildfire to make for an even more approachable and page turning volume for the casual reader. It's the kind of book I'd easily suggest to a friend, parent, or first-year undergrad wanting to learn about the various facets of wildfire. And, it does a decent job seeing fire in an encompassing way, such as the impact of fire on water systems (e.g., p. 143).

There are a handful of problems with the book that prevent me from recommending it without reservation. The treatment of fire smoke issues is almost non-existent, which is perhaps a good thing, given on of the few places it's mentioned is sharing misinformation that claims masks folks buy at the hardware store "are of no use when it comes to keeping fine smoke particles from entering the lungs" (p. 38) (this is, to be clear, entirely false, and there's a strong body of literature showing that well-fit masks can make a very significant difference in reducing PM2.5 exposure from wildfire smoke). There's also just some kind of odd tone in how Ferguson talks about the role of climate change (e.g., "Some of us, myself included, hope things will change, that one day the climate may settle back into patterns more similar to those that have been more or less reliably in play for centuries," p. 192... which, I guess, yay optimism, but kinda weirdly close to 'this is all just natural oscillation'?). And, there is a real tendency to be deferential to the heroism and great learning of the fire response enterprise, which is valuable, but also probably worth contextualizing in a slightly more critical light (e.g., particularly his view on just how amazingly safe American firefighting is, and his read of Yarnell Hill is... perhaps a little excessively favourable to current fire institutions where a little more critical scrutiny would help).

I wish that Ferguson had gotten a fact checker for the book, as a couple of those things make me a bit hesitant to recommend it. But, otherwise, I think it's a very strong introductory book and would recommend it widely.

[Schuyler Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a retired firefight with over thirty years of trying to help solve the perplexing problem of wild fire and its impacts, I was impressed with Gary Ferguson’s in-depth study, “Land on Fire,” and particularly with its conclusion; the landscape is turbulent and fire behavior is not likely to change anytime soon. My futile efforts seem universal, not necessarily a byproduct of my ineptitude.

Ferguson presents the dilemma with spot-on and clear analysis. The complications involved with the intricate science of burning, the unpredictability of the weather, global warming, increasing deterioration of the forest structure, and lack of funding for research and suppression all contribute to a problem that defies resolution.

Using historical data and anecdotes, accompanied by stunning photographs depicting the fury of wild fires across the country, the author presents a masterful description of where firefighting has travelled, what complexities affect suppression efforts, insight into successes and failures, and prospects for the future. I found the information very informative, even after twenty-four years of retirement, because I have witnessed a recent increase in the number and size of fires, caused by the shrinking of the wildland urban interface areas and the other factors noted. It’s disturbing and the answers are very elusive.

This book is a great source of information for those who care about the problem, and even for those who are only vaguely concerned, because it sheds light on a growing menace that threatens all of us and warns of the uncertainty of solving it in a timely fashion. It reinforces the need for public insistence on leaders who recognize the need to face the challenges posed by human contribution to climate change and its footprint on the earth where we live. There must be leaders, as the author asserts, that have the wisdom and courage to neither deny the challenges nor shrink in the face of them.

[Jeremy Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a book that looks a lot like those old encyclopedic volumes I once read as a child, with thick pages and high resolution images, Land On Fire read was far more compelling, relevant, and modern, leaving no real traces of the “old” feeling that comes from reading it. On the contrary, Ferguson has comprehensively simplified the otherwise complicated existence of wildfires, without dumbing down the issues or romanticizing the nature—plants, animals, skies—upon which these fires carry out their necessary, frequent, and ruthless business of clearing the earth of its lagging, compiling tinder. What I found myself wrestling with is whether, in the end, wildfires are inherently good or bad, at this stage of their progression, whether our goal should be their minimization or, perhaps more difficult in the era of human movement, allowing the fires to burn at will. I feel fortunate that this is not and never will be my call to make, but I now draw more empathy for the host of experts who work to study and decide on the future of continuing wildfires, for better or worse, with an excess of funding or a complete lack there of.

[Rebecca Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly didn't go into this book expecting much out of it, but this ended up being one of the best information-based nature books that I've read. Some of the formatting choices were a bit odd, but this book did an excellent job of providing a large amount of information in a very approachable format that allowed me to build a lot of connections between various economic, ecologic, and social issues. It presented a very nuanced view of all of the factors contributing to increased wildfires and did a great job of expounding on ways that we can do better in the future. I felt like I learned a lot from this book without ever being overwhelmed with information and I'm very glad that I gave it a chance. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about the cause, effects, and firefighting of wildfires.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There is much at stake with this loss of land management and science capacity, “ says Topik (Christopher Topik of the Nature Conservancy). “Forestlands provide half of our nation’s water and sequester about 13 percent of total US fossil fuel carbon emissions, but projections suggest that forest will become net carbon emitters later this century if steps are not take to make them more resilient..' "

I read this as part of the Glacier Conservancy Book Club.

A summary of wildfire, how it is fought, current thoughts on how fire is important to ecosystems and what global warming will mean to wildland fires.

Pretty straight forward. Since I live in an area impacted by wildfires, there wasn’t much information new to me, but it’s nice to see it together in one place.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book that tells clearly how wildfires start, how firefighters fight them, what’s left after a fire, and what can be done to lessen the threat of wildfires, this is the one. I was doing research for a writing project, and it gave me the information I needed very clearly, with terrific color photos. Ferguson writes that climate change is causing bigger, hotter and more frequent fires. He offers plenty of hard facts and figures. My only regret is that he wrote it too soon to include some of the worst fires that have happened here in the western U.S. But this is a great book.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a person that lives in the Pacific Northwest and has seen how devastating a wildfire can be, I was interested in reading "Land on Fire". I found the book very informative and have a new respect for all of those that fight wildfires and the people that contribute to the science of wildfires.

"Land on Fire" shows how history, sciences, climate change and human activity contributes to wildfires. I would recommend anyone that lives in the west and all politicians to read this well thought out book.

[Michael LeClair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wildfires are going to get bigger and more frequent. Our forests are in great jeopardy and they are absolutely critical for our survival and the survival of all life on earth. We have little time to learn how to deal with the coming crisis. Now is the time to make the necessary changes in how we think and act.

This was a quick, entertaining overview of the recent state of wildfires in the west; how they are caused, how they are fought, and the how the costs of not addressing the issue will endanger us all.

1/27/18

[Steve Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look into one of the greatest threats to our natural land - and our homes - especially in the Western U.S. Wildfires have always been part of our reality but the intensity and frequency linked to climate change, combined with the increasing density of population, makes for a serious concern as thoroughly explained by author and Montana resident Gary Ferguson. What can we do? We can take measures at our own homes, in our communities, and at the state/federal levels: If we can cooperate. If.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very accessible book about the changing perspectives on wildfires. The author addresses the ancient history of forest fires, primarily in the Western North America region, and the now-obsolete approach of full prevention. The economics of fires, the threats to homes and other structures, the fact that human existence is symbiotic with healthy forests, and climate change are all addressed. I grew up with Smokey Bear advising the suppression of all fires, and I've learned that this isn't party of a healthy or natural ecosystem.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should be mandatory reading for everyone living in the Intermountain West. Having worked in land management and research, a lot of this was review for me, but it's a great overview of one of the great threats of climate change in the West. It's something that we are all living with, and this is a great resource for your average person to understand what is going on.

[Dan Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of information on a topic we don't typically think much about (especially here in the Eastern US): wildfires and wildfire-fighting. If you have a friend who is a climate change skeptic, give them this book. It puts the climate changes we face into clear perspective via the undeniable fact of increasing wildfire frequency and intensity.

[Carol Jakubowski Delisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. The comprehensive coverage of the current fire situation - and history of it - in layman's terms makes it a must read for all of us who live in country that is prone to wild land fires.

[Craig Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's not a lot here that won't be familiar to you if you've been paying attention to the fires--causes, responses--in the west. But it's an excellent summary. And, in a slightly uncomfortable way, a beautiful book with spectacular photos of the destruction.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great discussion of wildfire and fire fighting in the West. If you have no background knowledge of fire this is written in clear, simple terms that are easy to understand. If you DO have fire knowledge it's a little simplistic but still worth a read.

[Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compelling read about the environmental impact of wildfire, firefighting efforts, climate change, and a variety of other factors influencing our environmental future. Book contains many beautiful color photos and diagrams.

[Janette Mcmahon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very basic and nice pictures.

[Alex Beaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid introduction to wildfire but I found myself wanting more scientific detail in certain areas. I’m encouraged to read other books on the subject.

[FMLDNR · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very good and informational book.

[Isaac (Ike) Standifird · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF Too much technical info to keep my interest.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK. Mush of the info I had learned in other books which I enjoyed more. Easy read and some good info if first book regarding forest fires.

[Avneet Kaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who lives in California, this completely transformed my understanding of the constant wildfire threat. Very well written and highly informative.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for the Glacier National Park Virtual Book Club. As a volunteer for local prescribed burns, I found it useful and interesting.