On the afternoon of May 3, 2016, firefighters in Fort McMurray, Canada, spotted a plume of smoke that marked the beginning of a devastating wildfire. Within a mere two hours, the flames tore through 60 hectares (150 acres) of forest, resulting in the evacuation of 90,000 people and the destruction of entire neighborhoods, reducing them to ash. The city of Fort McMurray suffered widespread devastation, resembling the aftermath of a nuclear blast.

John Vaillant, author of the prize-winning nonfiction book "Fire Weather," recalls the shock of hearing about the fire while working at a writing retreat in Italy. Fort McMurray, being the petroleum hub of Canada, was considered wealthy and powerful, making the idea of it being on fire absolutely shocking. The firestorm cloud generated by the fire punctured the stratosphere, producing lightning and hurricane-force winds.

Fortunately, the evacuation efforts were efficient, resulting in just two fatalities due to a car crash amidst the rush to escape the blaze. Survivors likened the horror to scenes from fantasy novels and disaster movies, testifying to the unimaginable scenes they witnessed. Vaillant draws comparisons, stating that spending time with these survivors was like being in the presence of biblical prophets.

Vaillant, a specialist in the intersection between humans and the natural world, discusses the larger theme of his book - a global breakdown in climate conditions that can support life. He warns that as we cling to an old world that no longer exists, climate change gains an advantage over us. The Fort McMurray fire was exacerbated by atmospheric heat, dry forest floors, and the petrochemical materials used in the city's homes. Concrete spalling, caused by extreme heat, was observed, demonstrating the severity of the fire.

The failure to plan for such disastrous situations, known as the Lucretius problem, occurred due to infandous circumstances that were too horrible to be named. The petroleum industry, despite decades of warnings, continues to resist disinvestment in oil. Vaillant notes a shift in the industry towards open profit-driven motives, disregarding greenwashing attempts.

The inhabitants of Fort McMurray, like Carol, Dave, and Rob, often come from impoverished coastal areas and rely on the petroleum industry for their livelihoods. This dilemma is not unique, as Vaillant's previous novel, "The Jaguar's Children," also explores the plight of individuals who participate in destructive industries to earn a living.

Vaillant's research has left an impact on him, prompting him to reflect on his own lifestyle choices, such as his frequent air travel. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the urgent issue of climate change, recognizing the irony of the fossil fuel industry being a "fire industry" that has led to a world more explosively flammable than ever before.

The article concludes by highlighting the gravity of the situation, with Vaillant describing the current era as clima incognita - the unknown climate. Fire is just one of the many manifestations driven by the increasing heat and energy generated by carbon dioxide and methane. The Earth is now burdened with a fever caused by human actions, and the need to confront this crisis has never been more critical.

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