"Agee examines in depth the issues in the ecological context and history of fire, wild and human. He sheds considerable light on this most important topic. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants a thorough understanding of the ecological and management issues related to fire in the forests.-International Journal of Forestr.The structure of most virgin forests in the western United States reflects a past disturbance history that includes forest fire. James K. Agee, an expert in the emerging field of fire ecology, analyzes the ecological role of fire in the creation and maintenance of natural western forests, focusing primarily on forest stand development patterns. His discussion of the natural fire environment and the environmental effects of fire is applicable to a wide range of temperate forests.