Tragic Fires Throughout History - Set of 5

The 2000-2002 Forest Fires in the Western United States

In the years between 2000 and 2002, forest fires ripped through much of the American West, with millions of acres of forest destroyed. This book recounts the story of those 2000-2002 fires, providing an in-depth look at the making of forest fires, how they start, and how they benefit the forests. It also examines the changing forest fire policy and uses fascinating quotes from a forest worker who describes, in first-hand accounts, the harrowing work conducted by the forest fighters throughout the Western United States.

The General Slocum Steamboat Fire of 1904

The year 2004 will mark the centennial anniversary of the worst maritime disaster to ever occur within the shores of the United States. In barely thirty minutes, more than 1000 men, women, and children were killed abroad the General Slocum, most of whom were from the same poor neighborhood of immigrants from New York's lower East side. This fascinating book brings young readers into the lives of these immigrants tracing the course of the fire as it blazed through the ship. A recent interview with the last survivor of the fire, plus quotes from eye witnesses and survivors at the time, and those who aided in the rescue, bring this account to life.

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871

According to legend, a cow belonging to Mrs. Catherine O'Leary kicked over an oil lamp, igniting the barn, which started the three-day fire that raced across Chicago, destroying everything in its path. Though no one really knows if the cow was responsible, the Great Chicago Fire claimed 18,000 buildings and nearly 26,000 acres of the thriving city. This fascinating book traces the history of the city, as well as the fire itself, explaining why Chicago was ready to burn. Vivid imagery and eyewitness accounts bring the horror of the inferno alive as the fire raced across the city, destroying neighborhoods and landmarks alike.

The Great Fire of London of 1666

This compelling book traces the five days of inferno that chased London's citizens from their homes and destroyed most of the city. The author pieces together the events leading up to the tragedy by investigating the infrastructure of a seventeenth-century city that was waiting to burn. The book captures the chaos and terror of each day of the fire as it carefully traces the inferno's path from one London landmark to another. First-person accounts of this horrible tragedy from famed English diarists Samuel Pepys and John Evelyn are finely excerpted to make the text come alive.

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory was a sweatshop in New York City. On March 25, 1911, a fire broke out and quickly spread, feeding on the fabric used to make the shirtwaists and the poorly designed wooden frame building. When it was over, the fire took the lives of 146 employees and exposed the neglect and irresponsibility of the company's owners. The horror of the fire would pave the way for reform for poor immigrant workers. Through eyewitness accounts and newspaper photos and illustrations, the book brings to life the terrible scene inside the building as the blaze raced from floor to floor.