Black Fire

Focusing on the real-life Tom Sawyer, this biography reveals his heroic role as a volunteer firefighter during the mid-nineteenth century San Francisco arson crisis. When a serial arsonist known as "The Lightkeeper" threatened the city, Sawyer's determination to investigate and stop the fires showcased his bravery and resourcefulness. The narrative not only explores his life and contributions but also highlights the tumultuous environment of the Gold Rush-era West, providing insight into why Mark Twain immortalized him in literature.