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.
Introduction to Fire in California 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 handy little book that will help those living in potential brush or forest areas cope with a wildfire."—Midwest Book Review
"Well written, yet simple enough for broad appeal."—Choice: Current Reviews For Academic Libraries
"Fascinating . . . This is a book that belongs in every ranger station across California."—The Wave
"Awe-inspiring."—Natural Hazards Observer
"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
"A primer on fire issues."—San Diego Union Tribune
"It tells everything readers need to know about wildfires: how they spread and what their effects are."—Palo Alto Weekly
"Like a scary souvenir of 2008 [it] explains how and why. A pyro would slaver over its pictures."—East Bay Express
"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
"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
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