Whittier Reads is an annual citywide literary event that encourages members of the Whittier community to read the same book at the same time and then discuss it in book groups and participate in special programs which are offered at both Libraries. 

Overview of When It All Burns: Fighting Fire in a Transformed World

A hotshot firefighter’s gripping firsthand account of a record-setting fire season

Eighteen of California’s largest wildfires on record have burned in the past two decades. Scientists recently invented the term “megafire” to describe wildfires that behave in ways that would have been nearly impossible just a generation ago, burning through winter, exploding in the night, and devastating landscapes historically impervious to incendiary destruction.

In When It All Burns, wildland firefighter and anthropologist Jordan Thomas recounts a single, brutal six-month fire season with the Los Padres Hotshots—the special forces of America’s firefighters. Being a hotshot is among the most difficult jobs on earth. Thomas viscerally renders his crew’s attempts to battle flames that are often too destructive to contain. He uncovers the hidden cultural history of megafires, revealing how humanity’s symbiotic relationship with wildfire became a war—and what can be done to change it back.

Thomas weaves ecology and the history of Indigenous peoples’ oppression, federal forestry, and the growth of the fire industrial complex into a riveting narrative about a new phase in the climate crisis. It’s an immersive story of community in the most perilous of circumstances, told with humor, humility, and affection.

Copies of When It All Burns are available for checkout at both Libraries.  Books will be available for purchase at both libraries starting March 1. 

About the Author

Jordan Thomas is an anthropologist and a former Los Padres hotshot wildland firefighter. His work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, The Seattle Times, and The Drift. Thomas is a Marshall Scholar with graduate degrees from the University of Cambridge and Durham University.

Photo: © Sari Blum

Thursday, April 2

Fire Safety Storytime and Touch a Truck -Whittwood Branch Library at 3:30- p.m. 

Join us at the Whittwood Branch Library for Fire Safety Storytime + Touch-A-Truck! Kids ages 4 and up will enjoy fun fire safety stories, meet real firefighters, and see a big fire truck up close. Explore, and learn how firefighters help keep us safe! 

Whittwood Branch  • 3:30 p.m.• Free with ticket
Tickets available at both libraries.

Monday, April 6

An Evening with Brian Fies, author of A Fire Story-Central Library-Live on Zoom

The Whittier Public Library invites you to a special virtual author talk with acclaimed graphic novelist Brian Fies. He will discuss his powerful memoir A Fire Story, which shares his family’s experience losing their home in the Northern California wildfires and explores themes of loss, resilience, and community.

Fies will speak about his creative process and the real-life events behind the book, followed by a live Q&A. The program will be streamed via Zoom at the Central Library and is free and open to the public. We encourage the community to read A Fire Story and join us for this meaningful conversation.

Central Library • 6:00 p.m.• Free with ticket
Tickets available at both libraries.

Tuesday, April 7

Little Listeners Storytime: Firehouse Tales-Central 10:30 a.m.

Join us for a fun and engaging morning with a real-life community hero! A firefighter from Station #28 will be our guest reader, sharing stories and helping little ones learn about firefighters, fire safety, and helping others in our community. Tuesday, April 7  10:30 a.m. Ages 0–5 with a caregiver

Central Library  •10:30 a.m.

Thursday, April 9 

The REEL Club Documentary: Wilder Than Wild: Fire, Forests, and the Future

Four years in the making, this one-hour documentary reveals how fire suppression and climate change have exposed our forests and wildland-urban landscapes to large, high intensity wildfires - and explores strategies to mitigate the impact of these fires. Stay after the screening for a live panel discussion with filmmakers Kevin White and Stephen Most, plus special guests.

Central Library • 6:00 p.m.• Free with ticket
Tickets available at both libraries.

Wednesday, April 15

Wednesday Night Book Group-When It All Burns

Please note that the author will not be present for this discussion but will be speaking at a special event tomorrow evening.

Join us at 6:00 PM at the Central Library for a scintillating conversation about our Whittier Reads selection, When It All Burns by Jordan Thomas.

In the book, wildland firefighter and anthropologist Jordan Thomas recounts a single, brutal six-month fire season with the Los Padres Hotshots—the special forces of America’s firefighters. Through this firsthand experience, he uncovers the hidden cultural history of megafires, revealing how humanity’s symbiotic relationship with wildfire transformed into a war—and what can be done to change it back.

The discussion will be led by Ann Topjohn, Whittier Reads Committee Member, AAUW member, and former librarian at Whittier College.

We hope you’ll join us for this engaging conversation!

Central Library• 6:00 p.m. 

Thursday, April 16

Whittier Reads 2026: Author Talk with Jordan Thomas

Join us for a Whittier Reads 2026 evening with Jordan Thomas, author of When It All Burns. A former wildland firefighter and anthropologist, Thomas brings a rare and compelling perspective from the front lines of today’s wildfires. Drawing from his firsthand experiences on elite fire crews, he will share accounts of battling major fires and reflect on how our relationship with fire is rapidly transforming in a changing climate.

Thomas will also take questions from the audience, offering a chance for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation.

Thursday, April 16
5:00 PM
Central Library

A book signing will follow the talk, with copies available for purchase.

Central •5:00 p.m. · Free with ticket 
Tickets available at both libraries.

Author Reception & Dinner 

Celebrate Whittier Reads 2026 at the When It All Burns Author Reception & Dinner, hosted by the Whittier Public Library Foundation following the author talk.
Enjoy an intimate evening with Jordan Thomas, engaging conversation, and a delicious meal.

📅 Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Whittier Public Library – Central Library
🎟 Advanced Ticket Purchase Required | Tickets are no longer available.

Don't miss this special opportunity to dine with the author and support the library.

Ticket Purchase Required.

Monday, April 20

Hot Shot Talk with Doug Moore

Join us for a special Hot Shot Talk with Doug Moore as part of Whittier Reads. Moore will share insights into the demanding and dangerous work of hotshot crews—elite wildland firefighters who battle some of the most intense fires in the country. Learn about the realities of life on the fire line, the teamwork required to fight large wildfires, and the evolving challenges firefighters face today. 

Central Library • 6:00 p.m. ·Free with ticket
Tickets available at both libraries.

Tuesday, April 21

Be Red Cross Ready: Wildfire Safety

Be Red Cross Ready: Wildfire Safety is a presentation intended for adult general audiences. This presentation by the American Red Cross, will show participants how to Get a Kit, Make a Plan, and Be Informed.

Central Library• 6:00 p.m. ·Free with ticket
Tickets available at both libraries.

Wednesday, April 22

Prepare with Pedro - Ages: 4-7

Join Pedro and the American Red Cross for a fun safety adventure at the Central Library! In this session for kids ages 4–7, children will learn to spot dangers at home, create a simple family emergency plan, and practice staying calm and brave during fires or big storms. Through games, stories, and hands-on activities, kids become Safety Superstars!

Central Library· 3:00 p.m. ·Free with ticket
Tickets available at both libraries.

Thursday, April 23 

The REEL Club Documentary: Elemental

Join us for a screening of Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire (2023), narrated by Golden Globe and Emmy–nominated actor David Oyelowo. Filmed across the American West, this powerful documentary explores the devastating wildfires that have impacted communities in California, Oregon, and Colorado—and challenges us to rethink how we prepare for a hotter future.

Stay after the film for a live Q&A discussion exploring the science, stories, and solutions surrounding wildfire.🎟 Free tickets available at both libraries

For more information: (562) 567-9900

Whittwood Branch Library • 6:00 p.m.• Free ticket with ticket
Tickets available at both libraries.

Copies of the book, When It All Burns, are available
for checkout and purchase at both libraries.

Central Library                                                                 Whittwood Branch
7344 Washington Ave.                                                   10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave.
(562) 567-9900                                                                (562) 567-9950

Programs are subject to change.

 Additional Resources:

Hardening Your Home-Cal Fire