Super Short Summary

The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America by Timothy Egan recounts the Great Fire of 1910, which consumed 3 million acres across Idaho, Montana, Washington, and British Columbia. It details the efforts of the newly formed United States Forest Service, led by President Theodore Roosevelt and forester Gifford Pinchot, to combat the fire amid Roosevelt's broader conservation battles with Congress. The fire's dramatic escalation and the diverse, inexperienced group of firefighters highlight the challenges faced in preserving America's forests. The aftermath saw increased support for the Forest Service, though many firefighters received no compensation for their injuries and losses.