State of Fire

Life Lessons Learned on the Fireline

De: Charles Vaught

Narrado por: Charles Vaught

State of Fire gives a raw, unexpected, and all-too-truthful view of one man's journey into the world of wildland firefighting. This book is based on the author's experiences as a crewmember of the Highlands 20, once described as an "elite 20-man handcrew". This book pulls back the curtain on the mysteries of those who go toe-to-toe in fierce battles with Nature, exposing various overlooked aspects of what it takes and means to fight wildfire.

From the raw physicality of the job, to the job's transformational qualities, to the extreme camaraderie earned along the way, State of Fire explores the toll that wildland firefighters pay physically, mentally, socially, and of course, the toll it takes on their love lives.

Within these book, wildland firefighters are not "hero-ized" role models sanitized of any shred of truth, but portrayed with all their flaws, egos, weaknesses, and baggage, giving the listener a better understanding of not only the people who go into the wild lands of America and fight fire but the realities of the job itself. This book is about finding commonality by going through hardship with strangers who soon become closer than family. It's about what happens when you separate men from society and normalcy for months at a time. It's about finding purpose in the most unexpected of places. It is about coming to terms with one's limitations. It's about pranks and laughter and ball-breaking and love and loss, all while testing one's mental, emotional, and physical strength through wildfire!

©2019 Charles Vaught (P)2019 Charles Vaught

Puts you right on the front lines of wild fires!

Very descriptive, felt like I was there. Really enjoyed the ABCs of wildland firefighting. Great job Charles!

Great experience working fire!

Amazing book and author! The book makes you feel like you were there in person!

Solid read for the human experience

This is the story of where and how perspectives fall into play in the trying times at the work place! Although never a wildland firefighter, the people and settings seem relatable and added to the humanity of the crew of firefighters during the 3 seasons of service! A slice of the absurd humor brought out by the interactions of individuals and the writers recall makes you feel like you are part of this. Lots of naturally funny and intense scenes makes you imagine backdraft meets without a paddle. Looking forward to the next book!

Great book

Great book. I was able to picture what it might be like to be a Wild land fire fighter based on his descriptions with some added comical relief. Great read by the author as well.