Wildfire: Memoires of a Wildland Firefighter

by Ralph Ryan

Wildfire is an exhilarating tale of the lengths one man goes in pursuit of a dream. Told he'll never make the cut to become an elite California Smokejumper, Ralph Ryan empolys laser-like focus, a 'never give up' attitude, and the calming mental training of Eastern mysticism to earn the right to leap out of planes and fight forest fires. There's beauty and danger in these pages, filled with bird's eye views of the world from beneath a parachute, and raging blazes just steps away. When an accident results in a broken back, Ryan offers all of us a moving lesson in belief in oneself and overcoming our own bleakest days. This is a funny, fast-paced insiders look at one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, and the passion that accompanies smokejumpers every time they bail above the flames.

244 pages, Paperback

First published July 3, 2013

Reviews

[K.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read for those interested in smoke jumpers and wildland firefighting

I would recommend “WILDFIRE: Memories of a wildland firefighter” to anyone who is interested, as I am, in learning more about the world of smokejumpers. Ryan takes us through his time as a smokejumper from the application process to testing and training, to being a rookie smokejumper and then a smokejumper to his decision to retire from smoke jumping. I enjoyed reading about his development as a smokejumper, stories of his bros, and what is like to work a wildfire.

His passion for parachuting and flying through the air after jumping from the jump plane comes across in his writing.

He tells a good story. I read his book over four days for my nighttime reading.

There are some minor typographical errors, while sometimes noticeable were not distracting. A good editor would sove this problem.

[Marice Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the first couple of chapters had me wondering if I wanted to continue on. The writing style was a bit poor and the odd reference to his girlfriend's "tight body" had me wondering where this story was heading. I'm glad I continued though. The book picks up and presents a really interesting look into this very dangerous, yet courageous, career as a Smokejumper.

[Anthony Misner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read and well written.

This has become one of my favorite books on wild land fire. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a well written and dynamic book. Thank you for service to all of us ground pounders. I love hearing the the smoke jumpers are on their way or on the fire.

[Heather Linebarger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book, very entertaining, lots of action & humor.

[Alison]

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