Fire, Chaparral, and Survival in Southern California

by Richard W. Halsey

This is the best book available that describes in detail California's most extensive plant community (the chaparral) as well as how to live safely in one of the most fire prone ecosystems on the planet. The book not only provides the basics of chaparral natural history, but also how wildfires are fought, how to protect your home and family from wildland fire, and why it is important to reconnect with one's surroundings. The revised and updated second printing of this book includes a new chapter on the importance of understanding the relationship between fire, people, and nature. Also included is an updated color photo identification section with 64 of the most common southern California chaparral plants and animals.

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2004

Reviews

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that questions conventional wisdom on fire fighting and fire prevention. One of the main takeaways is the importance of strong winds during Santa Ana events and the inability of firefighters to protect every home in that case. The author states we need to understand nature and climate better, build better housing to withstand fire, and not build in certain places or expect firefighters to save every home when it's simply not possible. There are some great stories and ideas on how to make your home more fire resistant and essays from people who have been through wildfires including those who took unconventional steps to protect their property. At the same time the author says while we're building flammable houses, it's very easy for embers to cause fires which then spread to surrounding houses and it's just a matter of wind speed and direction. The first step to better protection is education. Highly recommended for anyone who lives in California and Southern California.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone one should read this book that has even a slight interest in California outdoors.

[Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

The introduction and first chapter discuss chaparral, in depth. It's pretty dry and reads like a textbook or specific nature guide. Beyond that it is a lot of essays written by a variety of people about their personal experiences in the wildfire environment of Southern CA.
This is not what I expected so my judgement is based on that, unfortunately. I was hoping for information about wildfire and chaparral from experts. What I got was essays of homeowners with their personal stories of saving their homes and ideas on urban-interface. There are some random essays and the conclusion seems to have little to do with fire or chaparral.
It's interesting enough if you're looking for some wildfire stories by non- wildland firefighters and personal opinions with a side of nature guide on chaparral. I'm sure there is an audience for this but I am not it.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

More a reference than a front-to-back book.