Synopses & Reviews
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
Review
and#8220;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.and#8221;
Review
and#8220;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.and#8221;
Review
and#8220;It tells everything readers need to know about wildfires: how they spread and what their effects are.and#8221;
Review
“Well written, yet simple enough for broad appeal.” Choice: Current Reviews For Academic Libraries
Review
“Like a scary souvenir of 2008 [it] explains how and why. A pyro would slaver over its pictures.” East Bay Express
Review
and#8220;A handy little book that will help those living in potential brush or forest areas cope with a wildfire.and#8221;
Review
and#8220;Like a scary souvenir of 2008 [it] explains how and why. A pyro would slaver over its pictures.and#8221;
Review
and#8220;Well written, yet simple enough for broad appeal.and#8221;
Synopsis
and#147;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.and#8221;and#151;Neil G. Sugihara, coeditor of
Fire in California's Ecosystemsand#147;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.and#8221;and#151;James K. Agee, author of Steward's Fork and Fire Ecology of Pacific Northwest Forests
About the Author
David Carle worked as a California State Park ranger for twenty-seven years. He is author of Introduction to Water in California, Introduction to Air in California (both from UC Press), and Burning Questions: America's Fight with Nature's Fire, among other books
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
THE NATURE OF FIRE
What Is Fire?
The Fire Triangle
Oxygen: Fire Breath, Fuel: Fire Food, Heat: Fire Energy
Ignition Sources
Fire Behavior
Weather, Topography: Lay of the Land
FIRE AND LIFE ACROSS CALIFORNIA
Fire Regimes
Seeds, Sprouts, and All of the Above
Vegetation Types and Fire: Chaparral Shrublands, Conifer Forests, Oak Woodlands and Savannas, Sagebrush, Shrublands and Pinyon-Juniper Forests, Deserts, Grasslands, Wetlands and Riparian Woodlands
Wildlife
Soil, Water, and Air
Climate Change
FLAMES OF HISTORY
Californiaand#8217;s Light-Burning Debate
The Big Ones
BURNING ISSUES
Fighting Back: Tactics and Weaponry
Making Peace: Restoring Fire
The Chaparral Dilemma
Fire Plans
Logging versus Thinning
GETTING READY: LIFE ON THE EDGE
Wildland-Urban Interface
Becoming a Fire-Adapted Californian
Fire-Safe Planning: Before the Fire: Defensible Space
Fire-Safe Planning: During the Fire: Outdoors, Indoors,
After the Fire
Kindling Change
Online Fire Resources
Glossary
References
Art Credits
Additional Captions
Index