The Wildfire twenty
In the spring of 2011, a devastating wildfire almost destroyed the town of Slave Lake. From the aftermath, a new type of Alberta firefighting crew was created to fight wildfires that could threaten entire communities. These 20-person crews would become known as “Units.”
The Wildfire Twenty is the memoir of veteran firefighter Harold Larson leading the first Peace River Unit crew as they learn how to battle natural disasters on an epic scale.
From fighting large fires throughout the province, chasing lightning fires in helicopters, to helping with the southern Alberta floods in 2013, his crew would be pushed to their physical and mental limits. Their trials, perseverance, and friendships would shape wildland firefighting in Northern Alberta and bond the Wildfire Twenty forever.
Photo by James Williams
"I OBSERVED WHAT WAS THE SINGLE MOST COMPLEX INITIAL ATTACK IN 13 YEARS OF WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING."
— Brandon Taylor, Wildfire Ranger
“AN IN-TENTS STORY”
— Kim Nguyen, Australian Babe
Fire in the Eucalypts
On February 7, 2009, devastating fires ravaged the Australian countryside throughout the State of Victoria. Eight years of consecutive drought coupled with record breaking temperatures caused the fires to burn at an unprecedented rate destroying entire communities and claiming the lives of 173 people. This tragic event would become known as “Black Saturday.” Fire in the Eucalypts is the memoir of a Canadian firefighter working alongside the Australian wildland firefighters during that unforgettable fire season. His journey from training camp to firefighter would ultimately take him directly into the heart of Australia’s worst natural disaster in history.
2017 NGIBA Finalist: Memoirs (Overcoming Adversity/Tragedy)
"HAROLD'S ACCOUNT OF BLACK SATURDAY JOLTED ME. THANKFULLY, THE MAJORITY OF US WILL NEVER HAVE TO EXPERIENCE WHAT HE SAW THAT DAY. READING ABOUT IT WAS HARD ENOUGH."
— Chris Klitbo, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Wildfire Instructor
“THIS BOOK IS AN INTIMATE LOOK INTO ONE RESPONDERS PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IN THE FACE OF NATURAL DISASTER.”
— Sam Siddel, Thunderbird Unit Crew Supervisor
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Harold R. Larson is a seasoned wildfire professional with a 20-year career dedicated to safeguarding communities across three continents. Throughout his career, he has combated hundreds of wildfires in Canada, Australia, and the United States. Based on the Canadian West Coast, Harold serves as a city firefighter, wildfire specialist consultant, and instructor, where he shares his expertise and passion for public safety.
His commitment to excellence has been recognized with prestigious honors, including the Australian National Emergency Service Medal, which was established by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in acknowledgment of his efforts during the Black Saturday Bushfires. Additionally, Harold is the proud recipient of the Spirit of NAIT Alumni Award, celebrating his significant contributions to the forest technology profession and his dedication as a wildland firefighter crew leader.
Click for NAIT Podcast Featuring Harold and Social Media