Year of the fires the story of the great fires of 1910

Synopsis

The wildfires of the summer of 1910 scorched millions of acres in the western states, depositing soot as far away as Greenland. Through the experiences and words of rangers, soldiers, politicians, scientists, and the volunteers who fought the fires and were forever scarred by them, acclaimed historian and former forest fire fighter Stephen Pyne tells the story of that catastrophic year and its indelible legacy on the firefighting policies of today. Not only does Pyne explain how wildfires happen and how they are fought, he also chronicles the ongoing debate on the relative merits of firefighting versus "light burning." More than a memorable adventure tale, Year of the Firesis the story of a profound event that continues to shape American life. "Year of the Fires is a pleasure to read." (The New York Review of Books) "Powerful and absorbing." (Austin American-Statesman)