The Fire Inside: Firefighters Talk about Their Lives

Having witnessed the tireless efforts of firefighters battling the 1993 brushfires in Southern California, journalist Steve Delsohn set out to discover what inspired these brave men and women. Why do they put their lives on the line everyday in what may well be the most dangerous job in the world? Are they adrenaline junkies "chasing the rush" or selfless heroes motivated by a desire to save property and the lives of others? Searching for answers, Delsohn spoke with more than 100 professional and volunteer firefighters from urban, suburban, and rural fire companies across the country. Their spontaneous, candid, and unexpurgated responses to dozens of direct questions fill this book. These brave men and women speak frankly about training and mistakes, mentors and colleagues, fears and pressures. They describe with real anguish those worst moments in a firefighter's life. They discuss the emotional toll their jobs exact on their personal lives and their families. And they reveal what keeps them going back for more.