Into the Heat: Fighting Fires in Baltimore City Paperback – October 8, 2015

Into the Heat is an amazing eye opener into the lives of the Baltimore City firefighters and brings to light not just the dangers they face on a daily basis entering a burning building, but the political issues that affect how the fire department is handled. From the introduction written by his son, Steve, to the last chapter, it is evident that Ray Lockett spent his career of 29 years doing what he loved, speaking out when he felt necessary, and causing readers to become aware of the daily struggles and dangers the firefighters face on a daily basis. Now that he is retired, perhaps his sons, Ray and Steve, also Baltimore City fire fighters will pick up where he left off and write a book of their own. I highly recommend this book and could not put it down once I started reading.

This is many mini stories over decades of hard work both on Engines and Trucks in what was once a nice city. Now of course we know how the politicians in Baltimore destroyed the city and Emergency services. SadThe author raised two fine sons who join the department as well.You can see one Son on a Discovery Baltimore Fire video at you tube.Excellent book from a hard core, aggressive and un apologetic fireMAN , back in the day before political correctness put weak , fat butt females on the job to whine

Ray Lockett's straightforward story of his 30 year career in Baltimore City firefighting should be required reading for all urban dwellers. It made me want to cry and laugh, but most of all it made me understand that we all owe a huge debt to those guys (and a few women) who risk their lives to make a living protecting us every night and day. Mr. Lockett, thank you for telling the truth, and for protecting us for thirty years, and for giving the City of Baltimore your brave sons, as well. What a story, what a life.

The only reason it is not a five in my opinion is the griping and some of the personal jabs taken at people the author didn't particularly care for. I agree with his take that fire fighting is not the same as it was back in the 1970's, but either is society. I appreciate the work you did in that city and glad you made it to retirement.

A great look back on an amazing career. Having no personal ties to firefighting, I really enjoyed this book as I learned more about the profession, how they fight fires and the political issues they face. It was hard to put this down, a fantastic book! I felt as though Ray were sitting in my living room talking with me.

I loved the fact that most of these calls i remembered. Hats off to you Mr. Lockett for your service to the BCFD. I grew up near Truck 5 and have too many friends to count in the department. Job well done to you all.

By far one of the best books I have ever read. Very well written by a man who tells the true about every aspect of the fire dept.

This book is a solid 3.5 stars and well worth the reduced price. I'm glad to have read it where it featured a firefighter who experienced the War Years of the fire service in West Baltimore which suffered the same urban decay as many other cities in this period. Mr. Pickett takes you right through his retirement in 2001. At times the book seemed repetitive, with somewhat of an abrupt ending but overall a good read of this genre. Thank you for your service.

Good account of firefighting in the US. Gives you a taste of what's it's like to go into a burning building.