Wildfire Novel Illustrates A Centurys Worth Of Changes
"Devil in the North Woods" by Walt Shiel starkly contrasts wildland firefighting and warning 100 years ago with North Americas raging 2005 wildfire season. The story "leaps off the written page and into the hearts of readers."
(PRWEB) June 26, 2005 -- In October 1908, the largest wildfire in modern Michigan history swept through the northeast part of the state, obliterating the thriving town of Metz and consuming more than 900 homes and two million acres of forests and farms. Despite the valiant efforts of the farmers, lumbermen, and shopkeepers who had hacked their fortunes from these woods, eventually only the shores of Lake Huron quenched the sulfurous flames.
Today, firefighters in Arizona battle a 1300-acre wildfire and, thanks to early warnings and modern equipment, 15 homes are no longer jeopardy. In Colorado, lightning started 10 wildfires in one day this month. In Alberta, Canada, 50 firefighters and eight helicopters battle a 90,000-acre wildfire while 20 other fires rage nearby. From Idaho to Southern California, dozens of wildfires threaten homes after vegetation from a wet spring dried into tinder.
In 1908 Michigan, a hot, dry summer and fall followed a wet spring and created ideal conditions for the October wildfire. With no fire watch towers, spotting aircraft or organized firefighting organizations and with only limited telegraph service, warnings were too few and too late. In its wake, the conflagration left 43 dead and 4,600 homeless in one devastating day.
Based on contemporary reports and recorded oral histories, "Devil in the North Woods" by Walt Shiel accurately depicts the 1908 fires genesis, growth and aftermath. The storys real-life protagonist, 10-year-old Henry Hardies, survived the fire but his mother and three younger sisters did not. Henry left behind a wealth of personal stories preserved by his offspring. A thorough manuscript review by noted wildfire expert Chuck Bushey (President of Montana Prescribed Fire Services, Inc.) ensured an accurate depiction of the fire and its effects.
In the Library Reviews says, This dramatic retelling of the largest wildfire in Michigans history is well written and riveting ... this catastrophic moment of history leaps off the written page and into the hearts of readers." Northern Express Weekly declared the book a grim but fascinating read, building a bonfire of the dusty pages of history."
The story reminds us of the benefits of modern technology and leaves the reader buoyed by faith in the resilience of the human spirit and loves ability to germinate amid the ashes. The book includes a map and six historical photographs.
Retailers can order "Devil in the North Woods" (ISBN 0-9746553-1-7) through Ingram Books or Baker & Taylor. Consumers can purchase it online at Amazon.com or direct from the publisher (www.SlipdownMountain.com) or by calling (toll-free) 1-877-388-5227.
Based in Michigans Upper Peninsula, Slipdown Mountain Publications LLC publishes fiction, aviation history, cryptozoology, fine art prints, and reprints of military flight manuals. The company plans to publish two or three new books per year.
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