Firestorm

“Powerful and thought-provoking, Firestorm expertly frames emerging wildfire trends and future challenges. Offering a timely, insightful view of our changing wildfire paradigm, this book is a must-read for students of fire as well as anyone interested in understanding, preparing for, and acting on the ways wildfire will impact our communities.”–Dr. Thomas Zimmerman, President, International Association of Wildland Fire“A new wildlife paradigm is emerging in North America’s boreal forests…Edward Struzik’s deft account interweaves reportage, science and policy to show how fires that are normally key to ecological resilience are growing bigger and faster, thawing permafrost, degrading watersheds and disrupting habitats of species from grizzly bears to fungi.”– “Nature”“An essential and crackling good read on the new reality of megafires…a new kind of prophetic non-fiction…Firestorm belongs in both depth and timeliness next to Elizabeth Kolbert’s fascinating and grim account of the forces eroding biological diversity in The Sixth Extinction.”– “Tyee”“Firestorm paints a comprehensive picture of the changes taking place in the boreal forest and how wildfires are reshaping Alberta…Struzik masterfully weaves together interviews with dozens of wildfire researchers and management experts.”– “Alberta Views”“Firestorm reads at times like an exhilarating novel but it is neither flippant nor alarmist…The book is a clear-eyed vision, expertly and compellingly told, of what’s ahead as the climate warms…a fascinating page-turner.”– “Edmonton Journal”“As greater and more destructive fires become the norm, this narrative should be required reading.”– “Library Journal”“Combining personal insights with keen investigative-journalistic skills, Struzik presents a comprehensive and compelling overview of the future of wildfire management.”– “Booklist”“Frightening…Firestorm comes alive when Struzik discusses the work of offbeat scientists.”– “New York Times Book Review”“Impressively and comprehensively informative, exceptionally well written, organized and presented, Firestorm: How Wildfire Will Shape Our Future is one of those extraordinary studies that will be read with interest by environmental experts and non-specialist general readers alike. Certain to be an enduringly valued and highly prized addition.”– “Midwest Book Review”“Struzik delivers a powerful message that will appeal to environmentally minded readers and students of climate change.”– “Kirkus”“Struzik…cover[s] over a century of scorched earth where science, business, and politics have collided over and over again to produce ever-shifting policies of containment and prevention. Not just a remarkable history, the book also speculates about future where humans might not eradicate megafires, but thrive nonetheless.”– “Omnivoracious: The Amazon Book Review”“Struzik’s compelling narrative combines personal stories, photographs, history, and interviews with scientists, government officials, and the public. What emerges is a portrait of the intricacies of the forest management practices, settlement patterns, economic motivators, and political pressures that lead up to and influence decisions during these wildfires…Struzik warns readers of the bleak reality that may lie ahead if we continue ‘business as usual, ‘…[but] does not forfeit hope…The decisions and policies we make now, as a nation and as a global community, will have a profound influence on what our world looks like in the future.”– “Science”“Throughout Firestorm Struzik treats his readers to the exceptional analysis and exposition distinguishing him as one of our best science/environment/nature writers… It’s a must-read for anyone wanting to learn about our past relationship with wildfire, for anyone looking for suggestions about what needs to be done to retain some influence over how wildfire will figure in our future.”– “Wildlands Advocate”

Edward Struzik is an award-winning writer and photographer. A fellow at the School of Policy Studies, Queen’s Institute for Energy and Environmental Policy at Queen University in Kingston, Canada, his numerous accolades include the prestigious Atkinson Fellowship in Public Policy and the Sir Sandford Fleming Medal, awarded for outstanding contributions to the understanding of science. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta.