The Thirtymile Fire: A Chronicle of Bravery and Betrayal

In John N. Maclean's, The Thritymile Fire, the author attempts to solve the mystery of why four young and healthy wildland firefighters were killed by a raging fire storm. The deployment of the fire shelters they carried was not enough protection to save their lives. Why did they deploy in a rocky area above a road and river? Did the incident commander tell them to come down to the road -- where the other firefighters all survived the burn-over? Why did they reengage a fire that hours before they have backed away from because it was considered a "lost cause?" Investigating fire fatalities is in Maclean's genes. His father, Norman, wrote the popular book Young Men and Fire -- about the 1949 burn-over of a crew of smokejumpers on a fire show more in Montana; while John investigated the 1994 South Canyon wildland fire fatalities in Colorado. While the book is influenced by Maclean's opinions and speculations, its a must-read for the wildland fire and natural resource management communities. show less

As a new volunteer firefighter and fellow author, I really enjoyed reading this book. I also read this author's book Fire on the Mountain and found both of these books well researched and written. The book flows like an excellent piece of fiction, although this fire happened and the agony for the survivors and victims' families and friends is vividly real.

I just hope authorities catch the people who started this tragic fire and bring them to justice.

Great writer. I recommend this book. Two thumbs up.