This text deals with the basics of wildland and forest firefighting. It has been totally revised and is now in full color.

In this rugged account of a rugged profession, Matthew Desmond explores the heart and soul of the wildland firefighter. Having joined a firecrew in Northern Arizona as a young man, Desmond relates his experiences with intimate knowledge and native ease, adroitly balancing emotion with analysis and action with insight. On the Fireline shows that these firefighters aren’t the adrenaline junkies or romantic heroes as they’re so often portrayed. An immersion into a dangerous world, On the Fireline is also a sophisticated analysis of a high-risk profession—and a captivating read. “Gripping . . . a masterful account of how young men are able to face down wildfire, and why they volunteer for such an enterprise in the first place.”—David Grazian, Sociological Forum “Along with the risks and sorrow, Desmond also presents the humor and comaraderie of ordinary men performing extraordinary tasks. . . . A good complement to Norman Maclean's Young Men and Fire. Recommended.”—Library Journal

Managing wildland fire in the U.S. is a challenge increasing in complexity & magnitude. The goals & actions presented in this report encourage a proactive approach to wildland fire to reduce its threat. Five major topic areas on the subject are addressed: the role of wildland fire in resource management; the use of wildland fire; preparedness & suppression; wildland/urban interface protection; & coordinated program management. Also presented are the guiding principle that are fundamental to wildland fire management & recommendations for fire management policies. Photos, graphs, & references.

This textbook was developed as a joint project between the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and Fire Protection Publications. It provides a detailed overview and implementation strategies for the 16 Fire Fighter Life Safety Initiatives that were developed by the NFFF at their landmark summit in 2004. Each of the chapters was written by a different highly-respected fire service subject matter expert on that topic. This text provides the information necessary to meet the FESHE courses Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival (associate degree level) and Advanced Principles in Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival (bachelor degree level).