Firefighters - Rescue and Prevention Author:Brenda Ralph Lewis Fire is at the same time humanity's best friend and our most ruthless enemy. Fire warms and comforts, enables us to cook food, and provides the power for so much of our industry. However, it is also a raging killer and, once out of control, it destroys homes, ruins lives, and lays waste to vast acres of land. Firefighters have a long history of ... more »showing ingenuity, innovation, courage, and sacrifice in overcoming the flames in the quickest and most effective way. The New York firemen who risked and, in many cases lost, their lives fighting the fires at the World Trade Center after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, were the latest in a long line of firefighting heroes. It is impossible to overrate the valor of those who deliberately venture into searing flames and choking smoke in order to save the lives of others. "Firefighters" examines what it takes to be a firefighter, including: how fires were fought in the past; training to be a firefighter; fighting fires in the city; fighting fire in the wildlands; the special dangers of aircraft fires; and, where firefighting is heading in the future.« less