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Extreme...
Extreme Wildfire
In one moment, there’s a simple spark, and then roaring flames surge 200 feet into the air, devouring forests. Trees, from root to canopy, are burned to the ground. Airtankers and helicopters hover above, executing an air attack. Brave firefighters, equipped with flame resistant suits, leap from helicopters onto the treetops and descend to the blazing forest floor.
In this book, young readers will learn about the ecological impacts of wildfires, the ins and outs of fire science including tactics for prevention and containment, cutting-edge technology used to track wildfires and predict fire behavior, and about the impressive skill, survival tactics, and bravery required to control a wildfire. Also included are expert tips, fun facts, and breathtaking photos taken by the author.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
In this book, young readers will learn about the ecological impacts of wildfires, the ins and outs of fire science including tactics for prevention and containment, cutting-edge technology used to track wildfires and predict fire behavior, and about the impressive skill, survival tactics, and bravery required to control a wildfire. Also included are expert tips, fun facts, and breathtaking photos taken by the author.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
- GenresNonfiction
112 pages, Library Binding
First published August 30, 2016
2 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Mark Thiessen
5 books7 followersA National Geographic staff photographer since 1990, Mark Thiessen has published numerous feature stories and covers for National Geographic magazine and other Society publications on subjects ranging from Peruvian mummies to Egyptian archaeologists to Russian smokejumpers.
He recently documented film director and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence James Cameron's dive to the ocean's deepest location at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. Mark's photographs for the July 2008 National Geographic cover story “Under Fire: Why the West Is Burning” earned first-place recognition by Pictures of the Year International. Mark also directs the National Geographic photo studio, and was featured in Out There, a series aired on the National Geographic Channel.
In 1996, Thiessen began a personal photography project on wildland firefighters that took him to the front lines of wildfires every summer. To better understand the world of this little known subculture, he became a certified wildland firefighter. An award-winning online piece, FireCall, features Thiessen's photographs and interviews with a veteran wildland firefighter.
He recently documented film director and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence James Cameron's dive to the ocean's deepest location at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. Mark's photographs for the July 2008 National Geographic cover story “Under Fire: Why the West Is Burning” earned first-place recognition by Pictures of the Year International. Mark also directs the National Geographic photo studio, and was featured in Out There, a series aired on the National Geographic Channel.
In 1996, Thiessen began a personal photography project on wildland firefighters that took him to the front lines of wildfires every summer. To better understand the world of this little known subculture, he became a certified wildland firefighter. An award-winning online piece, FireCall, features Thiessen's photographs and interviews with a veteran wildland firefighter.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 12, 2016
National Geographic Kids publications have a knack for being spot-on with interesting materials that are captivating to the young reader (and the parents, too). Their publications prove entertaining and educational providing information in a manner that appeals and grabs their attention - many times over.
Extreme Wildfire: Smoke Jumpers, High-Tech Gear, Survival Tactics, and the Extraordinary Science of Fire really goes way beyond the old "Smokey Bear" fire prevention materials. The stunning photographs of Mark Thiessen are definitely close up and personal. He is truly a brave heart with the use of his camera and has captured the danger, intensity, and destructive beauty of raging fire. But this is not just a book of stunning photographs, the reader will learn that fires are a necessary part of the ecological system. Well, we just don't want ecology to get out of hand, though, so when fire rages, firefighters engage in preventive protection.
Some "famous" fires are recounted. I found it interesting that famous fires are tagged with names. Not dissimilar to the naming of tropical storms. The book has boxes of special information tucked away along the sides of the pages that are interestingly presented and packed with tidbits of information. "Fire Fact: You might think that attacking fire from the air is free of risk. But there's no such thing when it comes to firefighting. In fact, from 1990 through 2006, nearly a fourth of the 310 deaths of wildland firefighters in the United States came from aircraft accidents."
I found the section on Smoke Jumpers interesting. A smoke jumper is a firefighter that parachutes right onto the scene of a raging fire. "1-2-3- Jump! The plane approaches the fire's location. Twelve or so smoke jumpers are ready to go. But they don't just pile out and take their chances. Here's a 3-step procedure to make sure they hit their mark safely: 1) Find a safe place....., 2) Check the wind...., 3) Jump...."
It is also interesting the comparison of the United States and Russia in fighting fires - especially smoke jumpers. I like that Thiessen includes pictures from Russia as well as the United States.
I had a nephew that was a firefighter and fought wildfires all over the United States. It was fascinating to delve into this book of Extreme Wildfire information and see pictures that told the story that could easily have been his experience as well as that of many who have served to save our homes and our forests.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review of my opinions without compensation. Giveaway copy will be mailed directly to the winner by the publicist or publisher.
Extreme Wildfire: Smoke Jumpers, High-Tech Gear, Survival Tactics, and the Extraordinary Science of Fire really goes way beyond the old "Smokey Bear" fire prevention materials. The stunning photographs of Mark Thiessen are definitely close up and personal. He is truly a brave heart with the use of his camera and has captured the danger, intensity, and destructive beauty of raging fire. But this is not just a book of stunning photographs, the reader will learn that fires are a necessary part of the ecological system. Well, we just don't want ecology to get out of hand, though, so when fire rages, firefighters engage in preventive protection.
Some "famous" fires are recounted. I found it interesting that famous fires are tagged with names. Not dissimilar to the naming of tropical storms. The book has boxes of special information tucked away along the sides of the pages that are interestingly presented and packed with tidbits of information. "Fire Fact: You might think that attacking fire from the air is free of risk. But there's no such thing when it comes to firefighting. In fact, from 1990 through 2006, nearly a fourth of the 310 deaths of wildland firefighters in the United States came from aircraft accidents."
I found the section on Smoke Jumpers interesting. A smoke jumper is a firefighter that parachutes right onto the scene of a raging fire. "1-2-3- Jump! The plane approaches the fire's location. Twelve or so smoke jumpers are ready to go. But they don't just pile out and take their chances. Here's a 3-step procedure to make sure they hit their mark safely: 1) Find a safe place....., 2) Check the wind...., 3) Jump...."
It is also interesting the comparison of the United States and Russia in fighting fires - especially smoke jumpers. I like that Thiessen includes pictures from Russia as well as the United States.
I had a nephew that was a firefighter and fought wildfires all over the United States. It was fascinating to delve into this book of Extreme Wildfire information and see pictures that told the story that could easily have been his experience as well as that of many who have served to save our homes and our forests.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review of my opinions without compensation. Giveaway copy will be mailed directly to the winner by the publicist or publisher.
October 21, 2016
Fire, a topic both fascinating and terrifying, takes center stage in this new book by National Geographic Kids along with the men and women who fight it. Thiessen tells stories about his own experiences getting firefighter certified and some of the fires he's witnessed. I think that personal touch makes this book all the more compelling. The variety of stunning photographs doesn't hurt the pull of the book either. In addition to the stories about real fires, Thiessen also presents information about training, the different types of firefighters, strategies for fighting fires, as well as the basics of wildfires (such as that they require three things to occur: heat, fuel, and oxygen). Other topics addressed include: fighting fires from the ground, fighting fires from the air, and the ecology of wildfires (why they aren't always bad, and how nature recovers). The last section of the book talks about how we have to live with wildfires and what we can to do to avoid them when possible. This is a great resource for those interested in firefighting and a fascinating account of a natural phenomenon.
January 2, 2017
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. My husband used to fight fires with the DNR during his summers while in high school here in Washington as well as voluteered for the local fire dept when we purchaesed our home in 1997. We really enjoyed this book. Very well put together, very truthful. Thank you for leaving out what you ciuld have put in. My Granddaughters may look at the book without us having to worry about what they might see. Well DNR be prepared for girls to ask to be on your helicopter crews in the future.
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October 20, 2016
Wildfires seem to be all over the nightly news in all parts of our country. Recently, the western part of our country dealt with losses of numerous homes and thousands of acres of forest. There are numerous men and women who risk their lives every day to fight and prevent these wildfires. They can happen with the touch of a spark and destroy memories and livelihoods in seconds.
My cousin's husband has been a firefighter for the government for several years. He has traveled to swampy areas of the south, to the National Parks in the West. He is also responsible for protecting the Chippewa National Forest in Northern Minnesota. Thiessen explores the training, the science, the daily activities, and the dangers of being a firefighter in our nation's forests. As a photographer on the front-lines of the fires, he shares photos, stories, and details of fighting the fires and how they can affect the communities they threat to encroach.
Children will learn how fires began and how they quickly get out of hand. Readers will find out how the fires are spotted in the earliest of stages, even in the depth of the forest. The fighters train rigorously to live in the elements and are often away from their families and civilization for 2 weeks at a time. Readers will learn that the fires are fought from the air, on the ground, and even from the middle of the fire.
There is a whole section about the dangers of fire and how to plan if you live in an area prone to fires or to have your family be prepared in a fire happens in your area. Even a simple grass fire can wipe out an entire community.
Thiessen's photos are dramatic and show the scary side of fires as well as the generosity of communities who come together after a fire. I especially loved his photos of life returning to the forest after a fire.
There is much to learn in every National Geographic Kids book I have ever read and this one doesn't disappoint. I recommend this for upper elementary through middle school for the reading level and maturity level. It would make an excellent addition to the classroom, especially a science or social studies classroom.
My cousin's husband has been a firefighter for the government for several years. He has traveled to swampy areas of the south, to the National Parks in the West. He is also responsible for protecting the Chippewa National Forest in Northern Minnesota. Thiessen explores the training, the science, the daily activities, and the dangers of being a firefighter in our nation's forests. As a photographer on the front-lines of the fires, he shares photos, stories, and details of fighting the fires and how they can affect the communities they threat to encroach.
Children will learn how fires began and how they quickly get out of hand. Readers will find out how the fires are spotted in the earliest of stages, even in the depth of the forest. The fighters train rigorously to live in the elements and are often away from their families and civilization for 2 weeks at a time. Readers will learn that the fires are fought from the air, on the ground, and even from the middle of the fire.
There is a whole section about the dangers of fire and how to plan if you live in an area prone to fires or to have your family be prepared in a fire happens in your area. Even a simple grass fire can wipe out an entire community.
Thiessen's photos are dramatic and show the scary side of fires as well as the generosity of communities who come together after a fire. I especially loved his photos of life returning to the forest after a fire.
There is much to learn in every National Geographic Kids book I have ever read and this one doesn't disappoint. I recommend this for upper elementary through middle school for the reading level and maturity level. It would make an excellent addition to the classroom, especially a science or social studies classroom.
September 4, 2016
Wildfires are notorious for burning during the summer months. We see this on the news every summer it seems. Photographer Mark Thiessen has been on the scene photographing the flames, firefighters and volunteers. He was able to be present during these disastrous events once he became certified as a wildland firefighter. He did this so he could better understand what firefighters go through and to share their stories. Thiessen has photographed dozens of wildfires over the past 20 years.
Amazing photos of fires blazing through forests and over grasslands is not all what readers will find. The fire triangle (heat, fuel and oxygen) are what’s needed to grow a fire. Readers will see bits of facts in colorful boxes throughout the pages. A history of fires and how firefighters prepare to tackle them is also here. Some firefighters jump from planes others camp out close to the burning area. Readers will even see the various types of planes that carry equipment, water and chemicals that will help extinguish these raging blazes. “Wildfires generally spread outward in a V-pattern. The point, or base, of the charred V-shaped landscape is a good place to search for the fire’s origin and cause. But no single clue is foolproof.
Children of all ages, parents and teachers will be able to open this book and learn about wildfires, how they burn, spreads and take over land and sometimes lives. Readers will see and feel the emotion of the firefighters and the devastation these fires cause. The back of the book has a glossary of terms, how to prepare an emergency kit for the home and resources for further reading and learning.
Amazing photos of fires blazing through forests and over grasslands is not all what readers will find. The fire triangle (heat, fuel and oxygen) are what’s needed to grow a fire. Readers will see bits of facts in colorful boxes throughout the pages. A history of fires and how firefighters prepare to tackle them is also here. Some firefighters jump from planes others camp out close to the burning area. Readers will even see the various types of planes that carry equipment, water and chemicals that will help extinguish these raging blazes. “Wildfires generally spread outward in a V-pattern. The point, or base, of the charred V-shaped landscape is a good place to search for the fire’s origin and cause. But no single clue is foolproof.
Children of all ages, parents and teachers will be able to open this book and learn about wildfires, how they burn, spreads and take over land and sometimes lives. Readers will see and feel the emotion of the firefighters and the devastation these fires cause. The back of the book has a glossary of terms, how to prepare an emergency kit for the home and resources for further reading and learning.
December 25, 2017
A very interesting read on wildfires. I liked how it talked about the dangers and how fires can get started. It also talks about how wildfires can be good for the environment.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews