Overview

The Yellowstone fires of 1988 consumed nearly 800,000 acres—36 percent of the park. In the years following, spectacular wildflowers rose from the ashes and trees rapidly reclaimed the landscape. In this twenty-five-year look back at the fires, author and photographer Jeff Henry recalls not only the summer of 1988, when he witnessed and photographed nearly every aspect of the fires, but also the years since as nature healed the charred landscape. A beautiful book that depicts nature as simultaneously malevolent and beneficent, The Year Yellowstone Burned demonstrates the resilience of one of our continent’s most dynamic ecosystems.

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9781589799035

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For nearly forty years, Jeff Henry has immersed himself in Yellowstone-as fishing guide, laborer, researcher, ranger, winterkeeper, photographer, and author. In this book, Jeff has drawn on his extensive knowledge and experience to create a vivid, compelling story by combining historical, ecological, political, and personal perspectives of the fires of 1988. He has created an incomparable chronicle of that dramatic time that will only grow in importance as the years go by and memories fade. -- Brian Kenner, National Park Service, Badlands National Park There have been many books written about the Yellowstone fires of 1988; until now, none had been written by someone who not only knew most of the people 'on the ground' during the fires, but was also on the front lines himself. The Year Yellowstone Burned is exciting, superbly written, and ultimately, the most important book on its subject matter since the fateful summer of 1988. -- Leslie James Quinn, Yellowstone interpretive specialist, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Inc. Jeff Henry (my former student) provides a personal and well documented view of the Yellowstone fires of 1988. The Year Yellowstone Burned contains many excellent photographs taken by the author as well as maps which illustrate the events throughout that tragic summer. -- Paul D. McDermott, professor emeritus, Montgomery College, and author of Eye of the Explorer

[Henry’s] description of the fire . . . is dazzling—all these years later and one can almost see and feel the flames. . . . The author’s stunning photographs and the firsthand observations and opinions are the highlights of this book and make it a must-have. * Library Journal, Starred Review * Although Yellowstone National Park has seen its share of wildfires over the centuries, perhaps none was more disastrous than the one that consumed more than 35 percent of the park’s vast acreage in the summer of 1988. As a veteran Yellowstone guide and firefighter, Henry was on-site during the conflagration, witnessing and photographing much of the damage. In this absorbing retrospective report on the inferno 25 years later, Henry highlights the key events that combined to create 'the perfect firestorm' and offers lessons for preventing a recurrence in Yellowstone and other protected lands. . . . Along with revealing photos and maps, the narrative offers many vivid personal anecdotes, including Henry’s own chilling description of a smoky mushroom cloud during the fire’s early days. National park enthusiasts and everyone interested in environmental matters will find Henry’s account both gripping and informative. * Booklist * Fascinating as a personal record of nature and of human endeavor. The many spectacular photos alone are well worth a look. * FreshFiction.com * There have been many books written about the Yellowstone fires of 1988; until now, none had been written by someone who not only knew most of the people ‘on the ground’ during the fires, but was also on the front lines himself. The Year Yellowstone Burned is exciting, superbly written, and ultimately, the most important book on its subject matter since the fateful summer of 1988. -- Leslie James Quinn, Yellowstone interpretive specialist, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Inc. Jeff Henry (my former student) provides a personal and well documented view of the Yellowstone fires of 1988. The Year Yellowstone Burned contains many excellent photographs taken by the author as well as maps which illustrate the events throughout that tragic summer. -- Paul D. McDermott, professor emeritus, Montgomery College, and author of Eye of the Explorer For nearly forty years, Jeff Henry has immersed himself in Yellowstone—as fishing guide, laborer, researcher, ranger, winterkeeper, photographer, and author. In this book, Jeff has drawn on his extensive knowledge and experience to create a vivid, compelling story by combining historical, ecological, political, and personal perspectives of the fires of 1988. He has created an incomparable chronicle of that dramatic time that will only grow in importance as the years go by and memories fade. -- Brian Kenner

Author Information

Jeff Henry has worked in Yellowstone National Park as a seasonal ranger, fire fighter, wildlife researcher, fishing guide, and winterkeeper, while pursuing a career as a professional freelance photographer and writer. He lives outside the park in Emigrant, Montana.

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