This is one of the most well-researched and informative, yet highly readable books on an environmental issue that I've ever encountered. Jordan Thomas wears two literary hats throughout the book. One perspective is recounting his 6-month, beyond grueling time working a fire season with the Los Padres Hotshots. I was familiar with some of what 'Hot Shots' do from other documentaries I'd seen, but Jordan gave an inside view of the job that was truly shocking. I think it's safe to say that people choosing this as a career are definitely way undervalued and underpaid.

The other dimension of the book detailed the social, political and economic sides of the megafire story, with a large portion dedicated to the initial colonization of our country as well as the genocide and other atrocities that have taken place against the indigenous community for hundreds of years. It's an aspect of American history that is sadly neglected in most textbooks and definitely needs to be brought to light. Jordan did this in a very skillful and powerful way and I felt very moved as I read those chapters. He also wrote about the methods that the indigenous people practice to live in harmony with the land, and the burning and stewardship practices that they use, that are so much better than the strategies that are currently being use.

Jordan further delved into the government policies that have been shaping our management of forest fires for years. He explained very clearly how the key stakeholders, from high-ranking government officials to businesses, that are all about profit but have little care about the long-term effects of their practices, have decided and influenced public forest policies. With the current trend in wildfires, both in size and intensity, it's very clear that our government management/business practices of treating wildfires as a 'battle to be won' have completely failed. Jordan shared what can be done to return our forests to a healthier state, and in time reverse the trend of wildfires to destroy more and more acreage, properties and lives.

My hope is that many people will read this book and that it will open their eyes to how we got where we are, and also their minds (especially those in policy making positions) on how to turn the tide as a nation with our current wildfire crisis.

Through news feeds this past year we witnessed devastating California fires that destroyed parts of Los Angeles. Causes and finger pointing will continue for years to come and Author Jordan Thomas offers a first-hand narrative of what it is like to be on the front lines of forest firefighting. Thomas spent six months around the time of COVID as a Los Padres Hotshot battling flames with chainsaws, hoes and their strength, often working days without sleep. Thomas also includes commentary on climate crisis and its political denial. Interesting parts of the narrative are centered on Indigenous peoples’ use of fire to control the environment and regenerate the land. Timely and important this work can be considered essential reading.