In October 1908, a wildfire swept through northeast Michigan and consumed 900 homes and two million acres of farms and forest. Despite the valiant efforts of the farmers, lumbermen, and shopkeepers, only Lake Huron could quench the flames. With no fire watch towers, spotting aircraft, telephones, or organized firefighting and only limited telegraph, warnings were too few and too late. The conflagration left 43 dead and 4,600 homeless as the relentless winter loomed. Devil in the North Woods accurately depicts the fire's genesis, growth, and aftermath. The story's real-life protagonist, 10-year-old Henry Hardies, survived the fire but his mother and three younger sisters did not. Relying on Henry's personal recollections and Shiel's faithful recreation of time and place, the book vividly brings Henry's ordeal to life. Devil in the North Woods contrasts the terror of nature's destruction with a chronicle of family, love, sorrow, and recovery. The story leaves the reader buoyed by faith in the resilience of the human spirit and belief in love's ability to germinate amid the ashes of ruin. The book includes a map and five historical photos. Today, firefighters across North America battle thousands of acres of wildfires annually and, thanks to early warnings and modern equipment, most homes are spared and lives saved. In 1908 Michigan, a hot, dry summer and fall followed a wet spring and created ideal conditions for the October wildfire. With no fire watch towers, spotting aircraft or organized firefighting organizations and with only limited telegraph service, warnings were too few and too late. In its wake, the conflagration left 43 dead and 4,600 homeless in one devastating day. Based on contemporary reports and recorded oral histories, Devil in the North Woods by Walt Shiel accurately depicts the 1908 fire's genesis, growth and aftermath. The story's real-life protagonist, 10-year-old Henry Hardies, survived the fire but his mother and three younger sisters did not. Henry left behind a wealth of personal stories preserved by his offspring. A thorough manuscript review by noted wildfire expert Chuck Bushey (President of Montana Prescribed Fire Services, Inc.) ensured an accurate depiction of the fire and its effects. The story reminds us of the benefits of modern technology and leaves the reader buoyed by faith in the resilience of the human spirit and love's ability to germinate amid the ashes.

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.