A Fire Story

Early morning on Monday, October 9, 2017, wildfires burned through Northern California, resulting in 44 fatalities. In addition, 6,200 homes and 8,900 structures and were destroyed. Author Brian Fies’s firsthand account of this tragic event is an honest, unflinching depiction of his personal experiences, including losing his house and every possession he and his wife had that didn’t fit into the back of their car. In the days that followed, as the fires continued to burn through the area, Brian hastily pulled together A Fire Story and posted it online—it immediately went viral. He is now expanding his original webcomic to include environmental insight and the fire stories of his neighbors and others in his community. A Fire Story is an honest account of the wildfires that left homes destroyed, families broken, and a community determined to rebuild.  

A powerful graphic memoir of loss, resilience, and rebuilding after the Northern California wildfires

In the early hours of October 9, 2017, wildfires swept through Northern California, claiming 44 lives and destroying over 6,200 homes. Among them was the home of celebrated author and illustrator Brian Fies.

In A Fire Story, Fies delivers a raw, honest, and visually compelling account of the devastation and its aftermath—from the moment he and his wife fled with only what fit in their car, to the emotional and logistical challenges of rebuilding a life from ashes.

Originally published as a viral webcomic, this updated and expanded edition includes new material that deepens the narrative: stories from neighbors, reflections on environmental impact, and the ongoing struggle with insurance, contractors, and trauma. Through expressive illustrations and candid storytelling, Fies explores themes of community, memory, and the meaning of home.

Perfect for readers of graphic nonfiction, memoir, and those seeking insight into disaster recovery, A Fire Story is both a personal chronicle and a universal tale of resilience.