Fighting Fire!: Ten of the Deadliest Fires in American History and How We Fought Them

Throughout history, fires have wreaked destruction but have also sparked innovation and reform. The Great Chicago Fire (1871) destroyed a third of the city but brought about a new architecture style; the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (1911) killed 146 people but led to the passage of laws protecting workers. Entries are lively, with dramatic illustrations to match. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

From colonial America to the present, fires have not only devastated cities and land but have also sparked innovation and reform, demonstrated the need for stricter codes and laws, and shaped American history. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed a third of the city but also brought about a new style of architecture, as Chicago became a city of steel-framed skyscrapers and "changed skylines around the world." The Triangle shirtwaist factory fire of 1911 that killed 146 people led to the passage of new laws protecting workers. The 2007 Witch Fire in San Diego County demonstrates how far we've come technologically, from the days of the Boston fire of 1760's "hand-tub fire engines" and bucket brigades to today's MH-60 Seahawk helicopters, airplane tankers, and spotter planes. The book's introduction mentions improving firefighting and fire safety techniques, stronger laws and regulations, and innovations, but details are sketchy; and the Witch Fire chapter closes the volume with a perfunctory paragraph lauding the dedication and bravery of firefighters, when a more thorough wrap-up seems warranted. The entries themselves, though, are lively, with dramatic illustrations to match. Back matter includes four pages of pictures of fire engines from 1844 to 1966, lists of fire museums and websites to visit, and a well-chosen list of recommended readings for young readers. dean schneider