Firestorm at Peshtigo by Denise Gess and William Lutz

Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Firestorm at Peshtigo:

Well, I’m certainly going to be nice to Forest Rangers after reading this.

Quick synopsis:

The story of the Peshtigo fire of 1871, the deadliest fire in American history.

Fact for Non-History People:

You may not have heard of this because it happened on the same exact day as the Great Chicago Fire.

Fact for History Nerds:

The Great Chicago Fire killed about 300 people. The Peshtigo fire killed between 1,500 and 2,500 people. No one can estimate better because town records were obliterated by the fire.

My Take on Firestorm at Peshtigo:

If I have to die in a natural disaster, please let it be a flood.

What’s it like to die in a massive forest fire? Well, it depends on what does you in. In Peshtigo, and other places which faced a similar nightmare like Hinckley, there are numerous ways to go. For instance, the fire might cause a fire tornado. You read that right. It was estimated the winds picked up to over 100 mph. Jump into a well? Great idea! As long as the fire doesn’t suck out all the oxygen and you suffocate. Head for the river? Another great idea! Some of the Peshtigo residents jumped into the Peshtigo. A bunch drown and others died of hypothermia. Yes, they died of hypothermia in the middle of a fire.

If you like reading about disasters, you will not be disappointed by this book. You will, however, be horrified at what you read. Even if you survive a fire, you may be burned so terribly that you wished you died.

On top of that, Chicago still takes all the attention, anyway.

Verdict:

A great disaster book. Not for those with a weak stomach. Buy it here!