Fire - How Fire Changed New Zealand

Fire has shaped the Earth and human civilisation for millions of years. From natural fires sparked by lightning to the deliberate use of fire by early humans, it has been a powerful force of destruction, renewal and transformation. This book explores the science behind fire, how heat and energy move through natural systems, and the remarkable ways plants, landscapes and ecosystems have evolved alongside it. Written by qualified horticulturalist and landscape designer Ian Wilson, N.D.H., Dip LDS, it brings together science, history, ecology and practical understanding in an accessible way.

Designed as an easy-to-understand, pictorially illustrated guide, the book explores fire beyond simply something that burns. It looks at the science of heat and energy, the evolution of fire, its relationship with plants and forests, the role of fire in shaping landscapes, and the ways humans have learned to use and control it. Drawing particularly on examples from New Zealand, it aims to make a fascinating and complex subject easy to understand through clear explanations, illustrations and visual storytelling — revealing how deeply fire is connected to the natural world around us.