Fire!

by Edward C. Goodman

The harrowing stories and vivid images of the most devastating fires throughout history come alive in this groundbreaking volume, rich with history, science and breathtaking real-life adventure. The 100 most infamous fires through the ages leap full-blown from the pages of FIRE!, complete with the ravages caused by the consuming infernos and the courage of the men and women who fought the conflagrations. Lively artwork and photographs on show blazing buildings, tragedy-stricken survivors, charred destruction, and firefighters in the heat of the battle. Fascinating history, along with technical information about the nature, causes and behavior of fires, take readers into the dangerous and complex world of firefighting, to examine the first fire engines and brigades; to understand how and why fires are sometimes set to put out fires; when airdrops are used; how to avoid dangerous backdrafts; and much, much more. The book features fires from the beginning of recorded history and includes the 1666 Great London Fire, the 1858 New York Crystal Palace Fire, the 1902 Atlantic City Fire, the 1906 San Francisco Fire, the World War II Dresden Firestorm, the 1980 MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Fire, the 1991 Oakland/Berkeley Hills Fire and the Los Alamos Wildfires of 2000.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2001

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thorough collection of tragic incidents, although the details get lost in the shuffle as most of the events are given only 2 to 3 pages (and that is including illustrations or photographs with the text). Still, those attuned to disasters and history will likely find something inside of interest.

[Chet Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book with plenty of black and white and color photos. Covers all of the most devastating and well-known fires throughout history that occurred all throughout the world. It also covers different types of fires including wildfires, ship fires, theater fires and hotel fires. For a historian that has an interest in fire it is a must read book that gives basic information on each fire, the history of the structure before the fire and also the outcomes of each fire and how they changed fire code laws.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historically interesting, especially details about the history of firefighting.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fire by Edward C. Goodman Good book, has the histories of many deadly fires around the world starting with the Great London Fire in 1666. I really enjoyed reading it.