The Deadliest Fires Then and Now (the Deadliest #3, Scholastic Focus)

The narrative centers on the catastrophic events of the 1871 Peshtigo fire, the deadliest in American history, set against a backdrop of industrialization and westward expansion. It explores the persistent threat of fire in American life, highlighting the struggles of communities to protect themselves and the evolving responses to fire hazards. Through the perspectives of scientists, witnesses, and survivors, the author connects historical tragedies to contemporary wildfire challenges, emphasizing the ongoing battle against climate change and its impact on the environment.