RKS 2023 Film: “Fireline”: Global Warming and Wildfire are Good Bedfellows

This documentary follows a team of firefighters from the Cal Fire Lassen-Modoc unit battling the 2021 monstrous Dixie Wildfire in California that burned for 104 days destroying 963,309 acres of forest and 1,329 structures. 1,973 firefighters were involved. The cost of firefighting was $637 million USD. A combination of global warming, too dense of a forest and a black beetle infestation led to bone dry conditions ideal for a wildfire. Additional commentary from firefighters and the Office of Emergency Services of California (OES).

Dispel any idea of a wildfire taking a linear path. Rather it spreads to and fro creating pockets of wildfires. A highly co-ordinated effort was required considering the OES. local, state, out of state firefighters and federal agencies were involved. A OES war room coordinated the effort and immediate reaction and predicative strategies were deployed. As an OES official stated there is no second chance in battling a fire of this magnitude. Firefighting requires a holistic effort. The biggest issue is the management of state resources to firefight and as the wildfire situation in California is worsening each year balancing these resources is becoming increasingly difficult.

While the camera follows the firefighting crew the cinematography presents a kaleidoscope of horrors. Massive walls of fire moving like a freight train destroy and damage everything in their path. The crew is experienced but even these men are awed, excited and fearful in their battle not to mention exhausted having to work multiple shifts often separated from their families for weeks. The horrors they have seen they share and they are grisly and one can imagine a fertile breeding ground for PTSD an all too common psychological affliction for first responders. As one of the crew said that if we don’t do it right we could be just like the badly burnt humans and animals they have witnessed suffering and dying.

This 82-minute American documentary was directed by Tyler Norwood and produced by Ben Sinclair. The film will be released on 5December2023 on digital platforms.

You can see the trailer here https://vimeo.com/864972698?share=copy

RKS 2023 Film Rating 82/100.