
Risk Takers – Season 1 – Episode 4: Forest Fire
The rugged semi-arid interior of British Columbia boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. But when forest fires break out in this terrain, the most stubborn and spectacular forest fires on the planet occur. The BC Forest Fire Service is committed to battling these blazes. Their hallmark is teamwork - between the highly-trained ground-based firefighters and their helicopter pilots, and the dedicated specialists team of men and women who make up the Air Tanker Command. Together, they wage a multi-pronged attack on forest fires across the province. At the height of fire season, they may fight as many as 90 fires at once. It’s a physically punishing job to be a forest fire fighter – crew members must be able to carry over 100 lbs of gear each, often in extreme heat and at high altitudes – all this before they even begin tackling the fire! And the dangers they face are staggering – burning forests, rock falls and hiking up almost vertical mountainsides, combined with high altitudes and no easy way out when things get tough make this one of the most challenging jobs in the world.