Extreme Wildfire: Smoke Jumpers, High-Tech Gear, Survival Tactics, and the Extraordinary Science of Fire

by Mark Thiessen

Overview

In one moment, there’s a simple spark, and then roaring flames surge 200 feet into the air, devouring forests. Trees, from root to canopy, are burned to the ground. Airtankers and helicopters hover above, executing an air attack. Brave firefighters, equipped with flame resistant suits, leap from helicopters onto the treetops and descend to the blazing forest floor. 

In this book, young readers will learn about the ecological impacts of wildfires, the ins and outs of fire science including tactics for prevention and containment, cutting-edge technology used to track wildfires and predict fire behavior, and about the impressive skill, survival tactics, and bravery required to control a wildfire. Also included are expert tips, fun facts, and breathtaking photos taken by the author.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781426325311
Publisher:	Disney Publishing Group
Publication date:	08/30/2016
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.60(d)
Lexile:	910L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

MARK THIESSEN has been a photographer with National Geographic since 1990. He is widely published in all areas of the National Geographic Society, including National Geographic magazine, National Geographic Adventure magazine, and National Geographic Traveler magazine. National Geographic books that feature Thiessen's work include Return to Midway, which documents the discovery of the U.S.S Yorktown, and Baseball as America, a look at the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Editorial Reviews

"As is standard with offerings from National Geographic Kids, this presents a confluence of current events, human geography, ecology, physics, and job exploration… the narrative is filled with anecdotes and context that can only come from first-hand knowledge… this book’s stunning images and insider insight provide an in-depth introduction to understanding and controlling [wildfires]." — Booklist

"Fans of action and adventure fiction and nonfiction, such as the “I Survived” series, will be mesmerized by the true-life stories. Those interested in science will find plenty of information about chemistry and geology." — School Library Journal

"Thrilling and gut wrenching photographs by author and photographer Mark Thiessen bring the experience of wildland firefighters to life...Thiessen’s first-hand accounts provide knowledge of the training needed to enter this line of work...this book will capture young readers’ interest in learning about these natural disasters." — School Library Connection


.

From the Publisher

10/01/2016
Gr 4–7—Wildlife photographer Thiessen shares stories of forest fires he has photographed. He recounts his experience of attending fire school and relates what students (mostly volunteers) learn there. Scientific terms explain how fires get started, what fuels a fire, and the causes of wildfires. Respectful accounts of the jobs these men and women do are detailed without glorification. For each role, the required training, the equipment commonly used, and the dangers involved are covered. Some stories of loss are included to remind readers of the reality of the work. The negative and positive effects of a wildfire on a habitat are presented. Most of the color photographs are Thiessen's, and they clearly show the power of fires. Candid photos of firefighters battling blazes are also depicted. All contain a caption or additional information. VERDICT Beneficial material for a discussion on the pros and cons of forest fires. An additional purchase.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio

School Library Journal