Fire historian Stephen J. Pyne explains the relevance of the Interior West region to the national fire scene. Pyne discusses the region's recent return to prominence due to fires along its front ranges; to invasive species, both exotics like cheatgrass and unleashed natives like mountain pine beetle; and to its fatality fires, notably at South Canyon in 1994.

This book is for those who wish to craft non-fiction texts that do more than simply relay facts and arguments. Stephen J. Pyne explains how writers can employ literary tools and strategies to have art and craft add value to their theme. With advice gleaned from nearly a dozen years of teaching writing, Pyne offers pragmatic guidance on how to create powerful nonfiction.