Insidethefirezone

Australia is one of the most fire-prone countries in the world, and with temperatures climbing year after year, each fire season threatens to be worse than the last. Every year firefighters must hope for the best but expect the worst, and the worst can be truly terrifying: in 2009, the Black Saturday bushfires claimed over 173 lives, with infernos towering over 100 metres high and destroying everything in their path beyond recognition. To combat the increasingly regular threats to lives, property and livestock, Australia needs to operate the world’s largest firefighting force, something it simply could not do without over 200,000 willing volunteers. Bush Fire Brigades risk their lives fighting out-of-control infernos, saving stranded residents, tinder-box properties and trapped livestock in this character-driven documentary series. Whether it’s protecting their small remote town from total annihilation, the thrill of battle, or the comradery of facing extreme danger with their best mates, the Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades are made up of a diverse cast of characters with their own motivations, but without fail each of our fighters is the type to run directly towards danger as others flee for their lives. Through unique access, new video capture technologies and a compelling cast, this series brings audiences its audiences deep behind the frontline, looking through the eyes of the incredibly intrepid volunteers willing to suit up and take on some of the world’s biggest and most challenging bushfires.