Fire Weather by John Vaillant receives praise for its gripping narrative and thorough research on wildfire phenomena. Reviewers commend the book's engaging storytelling and its timely relevance to climate issues. Some criticize it for a dense writing style, which might deter casual readers. Overall, it's lauded for its impactful exploration of environmental challenges.

Readers fascinated by environmental science, climate change, and gripping true stories will enjoy John Vaillant's Fire Weather. Similar to Elizabeth Kolbert's The Sixth Extinction and Timothy Egan's The Big Burn, this book appeals to those interested in understanding human impact on nature through compelling narrative and meticulous research.

In the 2023 nonfiction book Fire Weather: A True Story From a Hotter World, John Vaillant examines the catastrophic 2016 wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, exploring the roots of the disaster in climate change and human activity, which exacerbated the fire's intensity and devastation.

Informative / Suspenseful / Unnerving / Dark / Challenging

- John Vaillant is known for his ability to intertwine environmental themes with human stories, as seen in his previous works like The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival, which explore the complex relationships between humans and nature.
- Vaillant's storytelling often draws attention to the broader implications of man-made events on natural disasters, engaging readers by blending meticulously researched facts with compelling narratives.
- Fire Weather delves into the theme of wildfires, a subject Vaillant has great expertise in, drawing connections between climate change and their increasing frequency and intensity.

**John Vaillant**  
An environmental journalist and author known for his immersive storytelling and exploration of ecological themes, who documents the Fort McMurray wildfire in his book. He combines scientific analysis with personal stories and historical context for a nuanced exploration.

**Shandra Linder**  
A labor relations adviser for Syncrude, who provides insight into the lives of those involved with the oil industry in Fort McMurray. Her personal journey reflects the emotional and psychological impact of the wildfire on residents.

**Darby Allen**  
The fire chief of Fort McMurray, who played a central role in the response to the wildfire, offering leadership during the crisis. His experiences reveal the immense pressure of firefighting and the challenges of crisis communication.

John Vaillant

Adult

Book

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Fire Weather reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Fire Weather | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Fire Weather and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Fire Weather Summary and Study Guide

Background

Fire Weather Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Fire Weather Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Fire Weather”

Part 2, Chapters 6-11

Fire Weather Part 2, Chapters 6-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 12-17

Fire Weather Part 2, Chapters 12-17 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Reckoning”

Part 3, Chapters 18-22

Fire Weather Part 3, Chapters 18-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 23-Epilogue

Fire Weather Part 3, Chapter 23-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

Fire Weather Key Figures

theme

Themes

Fire Weather Themes

Index of Terms

Fire Weather Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

Fire Weather Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Fire Weather Essay Topics

Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Fire Weather?

Reading Age

Book Details