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

Karen Magnuson Beil (Photographer)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

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.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 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 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

In a profession that catches workers somewhere between daredevil and do-gooder, smokejumpers risk their lives to protect the wilderness. Beil profiles a handful of men and women, capturing the drama, excitement, and danger of their job, and describing the tools, methods, and training that help them do their work. Beil's own photographs reflect the roller coaster pace of the work--from the burly man sitting at a sewing machine, repairing his parachute, to a tree exploding in a column of fire. The lack of an index limits the book's usefulness for reports, but the picture-book format and exciting photography will draw both readers and browsers. Pair this with Dorothy Hinshaw Patent's Fire (1998), which contains more on the science of forest fires and the controlled burn method of preservation. A glossary is appended. Randy Meyer --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (March 31, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152010424
• ISBN-13: 978-0152010423
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,448,619 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A riveting look at firefighting! A real page-turner!, August 17, 1999

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fire in Their Eyes: Wildfires and the People Who Fight Them (Hardcover)

Anyone who has ever wondered how forest fires are fought will find their answers here in this riveting look into the lives of "smokejumpers" and the fires they fight. The first-hand accounts give the reader an up-close look at fire and the devastation it causes. A great book on an unusual subject- I couldn't put it down!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fire in Their Eyes, August 27, 2004

By 

MEEMO - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fire in Their Eyes: Wildfires and the People Who Fight Them (Paperback)

Karen Beil vividly describes the lives of firefighters in Fire in Their Eyes. Also she tells the reader about the dangers a fire fighter must endure when fighting a forest fire. Finally the book describes the different jobs of firefighters and their roles in extinguishing the fire. This is a great book for any one who is interested in becoming a firefighter and the vast amount of pictures make it easy to understand.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars What a bunch of crap, May 29, 2007

By 

Cody Mcfarland "opyff" (Sturgis, SD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fire in Their Eyes: Wildfires and the People Who Fight Them (Paperback)

If anyone is trying to do any kind of research or learn about this job, don't read this book. I know rookie's that know more about this job. Anyone that refers do a (...) con crew as being a hotshot crew obviously knows little about this profession. She almost completely left out what a real Hotshot crew was, didn't talk about what a good engine crew was and as usual for someone that is on the way outside looking in, glorified Smokejumpers. Which is fine, they are great firefighters and a traditional part of our lifestyle, but they are rarely the ones who put the fires out that the public ever sees.