The Path of Flames: Understanding and Responding to Fatal Wildfires

The Path of Flames: Understanding and Responding to Fatal Wildfires is an edited volume that provides insights into response and recovery issues related to catastrophic wildfires, focusing on the recovery of human remains. It covers wildfire dynamics, risks for vulnerable populations, emergency response, and scientific basis for understanding fire effects on remains. The book includes contributions from international wildfire response professionals and highlights the lessons learned from the Camp Fire of 2018. It is a valuable resource for professionals working in emergency services, search and rescue, law enforcement, fire service, disaster planning, and victim recovery.

Format: Hardback
Length: 374 pages
Publication date: 10 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Understanding and Responding to Fatal Wildfires is an edited volume that delves into the intricate complexities of response and recovery issues related to catastrophic wildfires. With the increasing frequency of wildfires worldwide, resulting in significant loss of life, especially among those trapped in the path of the flames, it becomes paramount for agencies in fire-prone areas to grasp the intricacies of the response in terms of locating and identifying the remains of those who perished. While this book encompasses wildfire dynamics, risks for vulnerable populations, and the emergency response to wildfires, its primary focus lies in the recovery of human remains within the broader context of responding to mass disasters caused by wildfires. Consequently, it addresses search protocols, staffing requirements, pre-event coordination and organization, and logistical support. Moreover, the scientific basis for understanding how fire affects human remains and how the extent of destruction can be interpreted is explored. Recognizing the multidisciplinary nature of this field, the volume covers various forensic aspects related to the recovery of remains, including forensic anthropology, DNA analysis, forensic odontology, and forensic pathology. Furthermore, it includes contributions from international wildfire response professionals who examine global best practices in wildfire response and human remains recovery. Specifically, several chapters shed light on the lessons learned from the devastating Camp Fire of 2018 in California, which claimed the lives of 85 individuals and resulted in the destruction of nearly 19,000 structures, making it the most destructive and deadliest wildfire in California's history.
The Path of Flames serves as a comprehensive and invaluable resource for professionals engaged in the fields of emergency management, law enforcement, forensic science, and humanitarian aid. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and strategies involved in responding to fatal wildfires, enabling them to effectively assist in the recovery of human remains and support the affected communities during this challenging time. By addressing the multidisciplinary nature of the field and incorporating insights from international experts, this book offers a valuable reference for professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and expertise in addressing the aftermath of wildfires.

Weight: 900g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367750534