John N. Maclean

About the Author

John N. Maclean is a distinguished author and journalist whose work delves into the harrowing realities of wildfires and the human stories intertwined with them. Drawing from his extensive experience as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune, where he covered environmental and outdoor topics, Maclean brings a meticulous investigative approach to his narratives, blending factual reporting with vivid storytelling. His books illuminate the dangers faced by firefighters and the broader implications of natural disasters in the American West. Notable works include Fire on the Mountain: The True Story of the South Canyon Fire – An Award-Winning Investigation of the Deadly 1994 Disaster, which earned critical acclaim for its in-depth analysis of a tragic blaze, and The Esperanza Fire: Arson, Murder, and the Agony of Engine 57, a gripping account of a deadly arson case. Through his writing, Maclean honors the bravery of those on the front lines while exposing systemic vulnerabilities in wildfire management.