Fire Escape: How Animals and Plants Survive Wildfires

Gr 4-6–Wildfires have become an increasingly frequent news event. But the news mostly focuses on the human element; what happens to the plant life and animals during and after those fires? This book gives a very detailed account on this topic. The chapters discuss how plants can use fire in their development, and how some animals can benefit from wildfires. The narrative explains how animal senses aid in the recovery after wildfires. Some animals even help fight the fires, like the beaver whose dens help keep woodlands cool and wet. Zoo, farm, and other animals that cannot escape fires are highlighted, as well. An explanation of proper woodland maintenance, such as controlled burns, is presented as are the firefighters who battle these blazes. Both real photos and stylized drawings illustrate the volume. There are information boxes throughout the chapters with frequently asked questions about wildfires. Front matter includes a table of contents and an introduction. The back matter is very extensive with a long glossary of the terms that appear in bold throughout; source notes; a bibliography; interview notations; photo credits; links for more information; and an index.