Fire in Their Eyes: Wildfires and the People Who Fight Them

by Karen Magnuson Beil, Karen Magnuson Beil (Photographer)

Overview

What drives some people to stand in the path of a wall of flame? Who are these brave, foolhardy, visionary firefighters? This intimate look at the elite groups that fight wildfires explores the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of these courageous few as they battle wilderness blazes from Alaska to Maine. From the grueling training of a smokejumper class in Montana, through harrowing fights with some up-close-and-personal wildfires, to a group of inspired conservationists who use fire as a tool for preservation, Karen Magnuson Beil takes readers where only a few have ventured—into the heart of one of nature’s most destructive and unpredictable forces: fire.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780152010423
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	03/31/1999
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	64
Sales rank:	897,214
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.12(d)
Lexile:	1010L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 12 Years

About the Author

Karen Magnuson Beil is an editor, journalist, photographer, teacher, mother, and author of two other books for young readers. In researching Fire in Their Eyes, she worked on burn crews for two seasons, documented a Montana smokejumper class, and interviewed dozens of people to create a close-up portrait of ordinary heroes.

Karen Magnuson Beil is an editor, journalist, photographer, teacher, mother, and author of two other books for young readers. In researching Fire in Their Eyes, she worked on burn crews for two seasons, documented a Montana smokejumper class, and interviewed dozens of people to create a close-up portrait of ordinary heroes.

Editorial Reviews

"Out on the line, a hot fire can make wind and whip it into fire whirls, swirling the flames around in a fleeting tornado-like spiral." The ferocity of fire is forcefully depicted in both narrative and well-chosen photo-graphs in this informative examination of the laborious and dangerous work of controlling wildfires. Vivid photos of men and women working in the midst of fires illustrate the tasks of initial-attack teams, hotshot crews, smokejumpers, and prescribed-burn crews. A chapter devoted to the rigorous training of smokejumpers is followed by an account of fire on Montana's Morrell Mountain, which follows particular firefighters through the many hours of containing the fire and the follow-up care of equipment. Beil touches on some of the topics presented in other books on forest fires but extends coverage of the subject considerably in the range of examples she chooses and in citing the personal experiences of so many firefighters. She discusses both the growing danger zone human inhabitants are creating as they develop housing further into wilderness areas and the planned fires set to restore a natural ecology. Pointing out that nearly a quarter of the nation's wildland firefighters are Native Americans, she discusses some of the earlier native beliefs and practices that are now being used in developing policies for planned burning. The compelling account closes with a selective glossary of terms used by wildfire fighters.

Horn Book Magazine

Gr 5-8-A dramatic account of the training and work of a firefighter as well as the role of fire in the natural world. Every page is packed with fascinating facts that will hold readers' attention. In addition, graphic full-color photographs convey the intensity, violence, and power of fire as well as the multi-tasked operations that firefighters undertake. While this book has a wealth of information for researchers, its organization does not promote such use. Chapter headings such as "Torch!" are exciting, but don't give a clear indication of content. In fact, this chapter begins with a discussion of the uses of fire to help wildlife and woodlands. Also, the glossary is incomplete. However, the book has lots of drama and appeal, making it well suited to browsing and leisure reading.-Edith Ching, St. Albans School, Mt. St. Alban, Washington, DC Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

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