When Forests Burn

The Story of Wildfire in America

By: Albert Marrin

Narrated by: Neil Hellegers

A fascinating look at the most destructive wildfires in American history, the impact of climate change, and what we're doing right and wrong to manage forest fire, from a National Book Award finalist. Perfect for young fans of disaster stories and national history.

Wildfires have been part of the American landscape for thousands of years. Forests need fire--it's as necessary to their well-being as soil and sunlight. But some fires burn out of control, destroying everything and everyone in their path.

In this book, you'll find out about:

how and why wildfires happen

how different groups, from Native Americans to colonists, from conservationists to modern industrialists, have managed forests and fire

the biggest wildfires in American history--how they began and dramatic stories of both rescue and tragedy

what we're doing today to fight forest fires

Chock full of dramatic stories and fascinating facts, When Forests Burn teaches us about the past--and shows a better way forward in the future.

Critic reviews

★ "Vivid, wide angled, and all too timely." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ “Compelling….offers a tremendous amount of accessible information for both researchers and general-interest readers and fills a gap in current literature for this age group.” —Booklist, starred review

“Marrin breaks down the history of wildfires and their place in the cycle of nature in this thorough work.” —Publishers Weekly

Comprehensive yet concise

Detailed yet accessible, unflinching look at human history and America’s contribution to todays wildfire context