A dramatic look from the front lines at the most devastating fire siege
in California history
With over seven miles of urban/wildland interface unburned for thirty
years and beautiful homes lacing in and out of its picturesque hilly
terrain, Rancho Cucamonga was a powder keg--one that finally exploded in
October 2003 with a ferocity no one could have expected. Now, Erich
Krauss brings you to the ever-shifting front lines of the battle against
the catastrophic inferno, the rugged terrain, and the ferocious winds,
where municipal and wildland firefighters joined forces to save
thousands of homes and lives.
Wall of Flame recalls the unprecedented events surrounding the Grand
Prix Fire, revealing the moments of apparent indecision, the lack of
coordination, and even how local, state, and federal firefighters--each
with missions that at times opposed one another--put their differences
aside for the greater good in order to save Southern California. With
each passing hour, the fire grew larger and their task more immense.
Mistakes were made. Plans collapsed. Even the most seasoned firefighters
felt the world close in. But they persevered. After all, it was their
city, their homes, and their loved ones they were entrusted to protect.
Their community was counting on them to save their homes and all the
history they had wrapped up in them. This was a battle they could not
afford to lose.
