Introduction to Fire in California (California Natural History Guides) [Paperback]

David Carle (Author)

Book Description

Series: California Natural History Guides | Publication Date: August 4, 2008

What is fire? How are wildfires ignited? How do California's weather and topography influence fire? How did the California Indians use fire? In the spirit of his highly acclaimed Introduction to Air in California and Introduction to Water in California, David Carle now turns to another fundamental element of the natural world, giving a fascinating and concise view of this complex topic. His clearly written, dramatically illustrated book will help Californians, including the millions who live near naturally flammable wildlands, better understand their own place in the state's landscape. Carle covers the basics of fire ecology; looks at the effects of fire on wildlife, soil, water, and air; discusses firefighting organizations and land management agencies; explains current policies; and explores many other topics.
Features:
* 91 color illustrations and 15 maps
* Tips on what to do before, during, and after fires
* An overview of major wildfires in California's history
* A discussion of the effect of climate change on fires in natural landscapes
A book in the Californians and Their Environment subseries, dedicated to understanding human influences on the state's ecology and natural resources

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The chapter on "Getting Ready: Life on the Edge" is worth the price of admission. It diagrams creating a defensible space around your home and what to do during a fire evacuation . . . . One way to thank the firefighters and volunteers is to become more informed about fire. This book will help."--Chico Enterprise-Record

"Like a scary souvenir of 2008 [it] explains how and why. A pyro would slaver over its pictures."--East Bay Express

"It tells everything readers need to know about wildfires: how they spread and what their effects are."--Palo Alto Weekly

"This handy little paperback contains a lot of information Central Coast residents, especially those in vulnerable areas, will want to read up on before we get into the summer months. . . . This is a book you want to read now."--Salinas Californian

"Well written, yet simple enough for broad appeal."--Choice: Current Reviews For Academic Libraries

From the Inside Flap

"Carle does an excellent job of telling complex social, biological, and physical stories in a way that makes them not only accessible, but also interesting."--Neil G. Sugihara, coeditor of Fire in California's Ecosystems

"A welcome contribution to the California Natural History Guides series that integrates the natural and cultural history of fire in California in an engaging style."--James K. Agee, author of Steward's Fork and Fire Ecology of Pacific Northwest Forests

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (August 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520255771
• ISBN-13: 978-0520255777
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 4.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,306,923 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

DAVID CARLE grew up in Orange County, California, received his bachelors degree at UC Davis in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology and a masters degree from CSU Sacramento in Recreation and Parks Administration. He was a ranger in California State Parks for 27 years; including the Mendocino Coast, Hearst Castle, the Auburn State Recreation Area (in the gold country of the Sierra foothills), and the State Indian Museum in Sacramento. From 1982 through 2000, at the Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve, he shared the unit ranger position with his wife, participating in the long effort to protect that Eastern Sierra inland sea from the effects of stream diversions to Los Angeles. He taught biology and natural history courses at Cerro Coso Community College, the Eastern Sierra College Center in Mammoth Lakes.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wildfire in California, January 5, 2010

By 

Carcassman "Carcassman" (Olympia, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to Fire in California (California Natural History Guides) (Paperback)

Excellent summary about wildfire in California, particulalry how past management and ideas got us where we are today.