Explains why fires and floods are a part of the natural environment, and describes how scientists try to forecast and prevent such potential disasters.

Part of the Alpha Books series, which have been written with advice from experts that teach reading, and are printed in large, clear type. This title looks at fire in different places, examines safety measures to prevent fire, and describes how fire damage can be repaired. The book also focuses on flooding, and looks at ways in which man's activities have contributed to the threat, and presents some methods to prevent flooding on a large scale in the future.

From prehistory to the present-day conservation movement, Pyne explores the efforts of successive American cultures to master wildfire and to use it to shape the landscape.

"Printed for the use of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources."