Firefighting

I bought this book for my brother (a volunteer firefighter) for Christmas and when I received it I could not help but take a peek at it myself. The pictures and stories are amazing. I have not had a chance to read it completely, but I will take the time before giving the book away. This book would be a great gift for any fire fighter or anyone interested in the history of some of the greatest fires in the world.

Jack Gottschalk's Firefighting is a lavish coffee table title which provides a rich documentary of the history of firefighting, from early technological accomplishments which created fire-fighting equipment to modern times. Over 500 photos capture key moments in fire history around the world, while special insights on the science and physics of fires makes for an excellent survey of fire-fighting challenges.

Or would that be "disasters!" This book features an in-depth examination of 65 fires from all around the world and in a variety of categories. Ship Fires Explosions Forest Fires Fires in the Workplace This book shows how each fire influenced the way in which fires are fought today. This book shows the latest high-tech firefighting gear and vehicles. Shows the evolution of firefighting technology, equipment, and tactics. Features: Over 500 photographs Key moments like the Great Fire of London, in 1666 Shows the physics behind back drafts and flashovers Illustrated history of fire equipment Fire Trucks Firefighter's gear Contents: Early Firefighting, Conflagrations, Theater Fires, Hotel Fires, Ship Fires, Earthquake and Fire, Wildfires, Fire in the Workplace, Nightclub Fires, Tent and Amusement Park Fires, Fire as a Weapon, Great Explosions, School Fires, Fires in Public Places, Subterranean Fuel Fires, In the Line of Duty. Physics of Fire, Forensics, Safety Implementation, Clothing, Old Engines, Ladder Trucks, Rescue, Air & Sea, Outdoor Training Techniques, Indoor Training Techniques. Everything from leather fire buckets to the World Trade Center tragedy on September 11, 2001 we still can't believe happened. Part of the proceeds of this book will benefit the Widows' and Children's Fun, part of the Uniformed Firefighter's Association. ~The Rebecca Review

This is an excellent book for children to learn more about firefighting--both about the history and modern techniques and equipment. It's detailed without being overly graphic. And as with all DK books, it's chockful of beautiful photographs that clearly show what words cannot describe. Of particular interest are the case studies of various famous fires (mostly in the U.S.) throughout history, their causes, the destruction wreaked, and effects on firefighting efforts. This is especially interesting in the context of the development of firefighting techniques as we get to see just how much has had to happen to get to where we are today--and in some cases, how much further we have to go.