The author of this book recounts his experiences photographing major wildfires in California. California seems specifically prone to wildfires, due to the landscape and climate. Several things can start a wildfire, from hot cars, discarded cigarettes, campfires that are not tended, idiots who do explosions for gender reveals, lighting, unmaintained powerlines, lightning, and drought. The images captured by the author are beautiful, though knowing what is underneath those images is sad and slightly morbid. People often do not think about the losses and fear people experience after immediate news coverage stops. People are less likely to think about the impact of this job on those who do it. First responders are so likely to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. This is September, Suicide Prevention Month, and this book was a good reminder that first responders need aftercare services for the things they experience. Suicide amongst firemen and other first responders occurs with more frequency than people often think about.


I have the Audible version of this book, which took me a little over five hours to listen to. I got it finished at work today. If you are interested in the physical copy, it is around 300 pages. I typically find my way to books like this, which I blame on being raised in a fire fighting family. It never really registered to me that there were embedded reporters and photographers for wildfires, but I suppose that makes sense in retrospect. This was a really good, thought-provoking book. If you are interested in topics like this, definitely consider reading this book. You can also look up this author on Instagram to see the beautiful images he captures.