Review
A hilarious, albeit accurate portrayal of life as a young wildland firefighter. As wildland firefighters, we have all lived these stories in some way or another; to read this book took me back in time and invoked the unforgettable smell of smoke, as if it were yesterday."
~ Emily Webb, former wildland firefighter
"Walters' narrative offers a unique insight into the archetypal character of the American wildland firefighter."
~ Steve Jackson
Light, humorous and easy to read - brings back memories of a fun time to be working in fire ... and extremely accurate. I know - because I was there!
~ Bob Mallett, Deputy Fire Management Officer, Idaho Falls District
"This is one of the few books - if not the only one - to accurately portray the realities of being a wildland firefighter. Ben Walters tells the story with humor, sadness, and vivid storytelling - and he offers insight into why people do this hard, dirty, and dangerous work."
~ Marc Rounsavile, Area Commander Team 4, retired
From the Back Cover
In this book, Ben Walters captures the perspective of a young man cast into the world of wildland fire - a world like one could never expect. He clearly and honestly portrays the realities of wildland firefighting and explains changes in firefighting strategies and policy, all of which are still very much in debate in 2011 and will remain in debate because of the lack of corporate and political willpower to make changes.
~ Mike Dietrich, Fire Chief, San Bernardino National Forest (retired)
What a great book. Couldn't put it down. Made me want to sit on a sandwich and sleep on a pile of ants.
~ Brian Ballou, Fire Prevention Specialist, Oregon Department of Forestry
Send in the Marines?? Hell, what are the Marines gonna do?? With all due respect ... what we need are firefighters, wildland firefighters!! Hotshots!! Engine slugs!! Smokejumpers!! Ben Walters captures it all, from the first thigh-burning run to the party nights in Florida ... from missing the girl back home to a new world of best friends bonded through shared life-altering experiences.
~ Tony Duprey, Captain, Chumash Tribal Fire Department
About the Author
BEN WALTERS is a reformed party animal, former wildland firefighter, and former schoolteacher who lives in Idaho Falls, Idaho with his awesome and loving wife and children. After bunches of years, bunches of jobs, tons of good times, and a couple of college degrees, he realized it was time to settle down and start putting some of these experiences to paper before the words of his youth slipped away. Look for more of his stories in the future about hunting, fishing, horses, and other things in life important to him. And know that when the August sky is hazy from the fires, he is dreaming about those good old days.
