America’s Fires

This book traces the dramatic evolution of fire management, from Native American burning practices and the Great Fires of the late 19th century, through the Smokey Bear era of full suppression, to today’s complex challenges of climate change, urban expansion, and prescribed burning. Pyne exposes the deep cultural, political, and ecological contradictions that have left America’s landscapes fire-starved and fire-prone, and he argues for a fundamental rethink of our relationship with fire.

Written with Pyne’s signature clarity and narrative power, America’s Fires is not just a history—it is a critical guide for policymakers, land managers, firefighters, conservationists, and anyone who lives in the shadow of wildfire country. The book synthesizes decades of research and frontline observation into a compelling case for a more adaptive, resilient, and fire-aware future.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive historical overview of U.S. wildland fire policy

• Insights into the ecological role of fire in American forests and grasslands

• Analysis of major fire events and their impact on public perception

• Examination of current controversies around prescribed burns, logging, and suppression

• Written by Stephen J. Pyne, award-winning author of Fire: A Brief History and The Pyrocene

Perfect for readers interested in: Environmental history, forestry, climate policy, wildfire science, public land management, and conservation.