TOP 5 FIREFIGHTER MOVIES OF ALL TIME

Being a firefighter is a difficult but thrilling career, so watching actors portraying your work on the big screen can be exciting, but also at times frustrating. Sometimes they get it right, sometimes they get it wrong. If you’re on the lookout for some of the best firefighter movies ever created, we’ve compiled a list below that are well worth a watch.

1. Only the Brave, (2017)

Only the Brave is a biographical drama film directed by Joseph Kosinski and written by Ken Nolan and Eric Warren Singer. It’s based on Sean Flynn’s GQ article “No Exit.”

The film includes an ensemble cast including, Josh Brolin, James Badge Dale, Jeff Bridges, Miles Teller, Alex Russell, Taylor Kitsch, Ben Hardy, Thad Luckinbill, Geoff Stults, Scott Haze, Andie MacDowell, and Jennifer Connelly.

Storyline

The storyline of the film is based in 2007 Prescott, Arizona and is based on true and tragic events.

Eric Marsh of the Prescott Fire Department is frustrated fighting forest fires when the Type 1 or “Hotshot” front line forest fire fighting crews from afar overrule his operational suggestions to his area’s sorrow.

To change that, Marsh gets approval from the Mayor to attempt to organise an unprecedented certified municipal-based Hotshot crew for Prescott. To that end, Marsh needs new recruits, which includes the young wastrel, Brendan McDonough, to undergo the rigorous training and qualification testing for the most dangerous of fire fighting duties. Along the way, the new team meets the challenge and the hailed Granite Mountain Hotshots are born. In doing so, all the men, especially McDonough, are changed as new experience and maturity is achieved in fire-forged camaraderie. All this is put to the test in 2013 with the notorious Yarnell Hill Fire that will demand efforts and sacrifices no one can ignore.

Verdict: Only the Brave manages to portray a fairly accurate portrayal of the sacrifices these firefighters made and the tragedy that occurred less than ten years ago.

2. Burn (2012)

Burn is an American documentary film co-directed and produced by Tom Putnam and Brenna Sanchez.

Storyline

The documentary takes place in the city of Detroit, Michigan. As a result of a huge increase in fires among the crumbling urbanscape of abandoned structures, the city has been in severe decline in recent years.This documentary follows the lives and challenges of the Detroit Fire Department members who are on the front lines of this taxing battle. Faced with constant emergencies and diminishing budgets, Detroit firemen are committed to protect the city as best they can, whatever the cost.

Verdict: Burn captures the danger (and, yes, joy) of putting out fires, as well as the futility of putting out fires in a city riddled with arson. An action-packed documentary that allows viewers to make personal connections with these men and women who protect Detroit and its citizens.

3. The Towering Inferno (1974)

The Towering Inferno is an American film produced by Irwin Allen with an ensemble cast led by Paul Newman and Steve McQueen. The film, directed by John Guillermin, is a co-production between 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros, marking the first time two major Hollywood companies have collaborated on a film. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture and was the highest-grossing picture of 1974. The film was nominated for eight Oscars in all, winning three of them.

Storyline

A fire breaks out in a state-of-the-art San Francisco high-rise building during the opening ceremony, which is attended by several A-list visitors. An overworked fire chief and the building’s architect must work together in the struggle to save lives and calm fear, while a corrupt, cost-cutting contractor attempts to avoid responsibility for the tragedy.

Verdict: While entertaining to watch, the Towering Inferno belongs firmly in the popcorn genre of entertainment rather than a realistic depiction of firefighting activities.

4.Backdraft (1991)

Backdraft is an action thriller film directed by Ron Howard and written by Gregory Widen. The cast members of this film include Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rebecca De Mornay, Donald Sutherland, Robert De Niro, Jason Gedrick, and J. T. Walsh. The picture received positive reviews from critics and grossed $152.4 million worldwide when it was released in 1991. It also received three Oscar nominations and was followed by a sequel later, Backdraft 2, in 2019.

Storyline

Two Chicago firefighter brothers, who don’t get along, have to work together while taking part in an investigation of a string of arson/murders. This in-depth look into the jobs and personal life of firefighters includes plenty of pyrotechnics and special effects.

Verdict: Although the film’s depiction of firefighting is unrealistic at times, it remains a wonderful work of cinematic storytelling, and the special effects are spectacular throughout.

5.Ladder 49 (2004)

Ladder 49 is a disaster thriller directed by Jay Russell and written by Lewis Colick. Some of the famous actors that star in the film include Joaquin Phoenix and John Travolta. The film grossed $102 million worldwide.

Storyline

Probationary fireman Jack Morrison evolves into a seasoned veteran in a Baltimore fire station under the watchful eye of his mentor, Captain Mike Kennedy. However, Jack has reached a fork in the road since the sacrifices he’s made have put him in danger several times and have had a severe influence on his relationship with his wife and children. As a result of his response to the worst fire of his career, he becomes stuck within a 20-story structure. He experiences flashbacks of his life as he drifts in and out of consciousness. Deputy Chief Kennedy is desperately coordinating the attempt to save him.

Verdict: The effects in Ladder 49 are fantastic, although they’re a little too theatrical. While there is some emotional depth in the film, it is far too vague to be a meaningful tribute to firefighters.

Sources: www.imdb.com

Top Podcasts That Every Firefighter Should Listen To

PODCASTS HAVE GROWN MASSIVELY IN POPULARITY OVER THE LAST DECADE. THEY ARE A GREAT ON-THE-GO CHOICE AS THEY CAN BE EASILY DOWNLOADED ON APPS LIKE SPOTIFY AND ITUNES. STAYING UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST TRENDS IN FIREFIGHTING AND FIRE SAFETY CAN BE DIFFICULT, BUT THERE ARE MANY EXCELLENT PODCASTS FOR FIREFIGHTERS TO LISTEN TO

1.NFPA Journal Podcast - 4.4 rating on iTunes

The NFPA Podcast is the place for safety professionals to stay up to speed on the fast-paced world of electrical, fire, and life safety. Hear in-depth conversations with people on the ground about how they are dealing with new challenges and staying on top of evolving technology in order to keep the world safe. It includes interviews with professionals in the fields of fire, electrical, and life safety. New episodes every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. It’s available for download on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and online.

2.Firefighter Training Podcast4.8 rating on iTunes

The podcast, by Fire Chief Peter Lamb, is designed for firefighters who want to learn more about training, firefighter safety, current events, and how to further their careers. Chief Lamb has over 35 years of experience and has taught all over the US on a range of themes, including tactics, incident command, training, and operations, in addition to being an author. You may download the podcast via iTunes, Stitcher, and the internet.

3.Code 3 – The Firefighters’ Podcast- 4.3 rating on iTunes

Code 3 is a weekly podcast hosted by Scott Orr. It is aimed at all ranks of firefighters, from fire chiefs to newbies. The host of the podcast, Scott Orr, is an award-winning journalist, who has covered topics on fire, EMS, police beat for most of his 30-plus year career in news. These bite-sized episodes aren’t only for firefighters; they’re also for anyone curious about what it takes to work in this field. Scott interviews a diverse group of individuals involved in the fire service, from Chiefs to Probies to Engineers. The podcast is available to download on iTunes, Stitcher and online.

4. The Standard - “Forge Your Life”- 4.8 rating on iTunes

The podcast, hosted by Craig Stalowy, Tom Johnson and John Spera, is geared toward firefighter development in fitness and leadership. This podcast focuses on assisting firefighters in taking personal responsibility and accountability in order to become great leaders in both their professional and personal lives. It’s available for download on iTunes and online.

5.SAMatters Radio- 4.9 rating on iTunes

The Situational Awareness Matters podcast by Dr. Richard B. Gasaway is dedicated to improving first responder safety. The mission of Situational Awareness Matters is to help you to see the bad things coming in time to avoid bad outcomes by improving your understanding of human factors, situational awareness and decision-making under stress. Listen and learn from hundreds of incredible interviews with first responders who survived near-miss events. It’s available for download on iTunes, Stitcher and online.

6.EM Weekly- 4.9 rating on iTunes

This weekly emergency management podcast is hosted by Todd De Voe. The podcast features news and interviews. It discusses trends and issues that impact emergency management, first responders, military, education, public safety, communications, disaster volunteer organisations, public health, humanitarian groups, NGOs, professionals, students, and researchers. It’s available for download on iTunes and online.

7.On the Line

This podcast is geared toward today’s wildland firefighters. It features the most up-to-date news about training, tips, and educational information on what to expect as a wildland firefighter. Listen to knowledgeable hosts, Charlie Palmer and Brent Ruby, along with new guests every episode, as they discuss every aspect of this dangerous job. It’s available to listen to online.

8.Disaster Dads- 5.0 rating on iTunes

Are you in need of a good laugh? The Disaster Dads use their years of experience as emergency responders to share amusing stories that will help you prepare for whatever disaster comes your way. This podcast is hosted by real-life dads who are former volunteer firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) with over 60 years of cumulative experience. It can be downloaded via iTunes, Stitcher, and online.

9.FireRescue1‘s Side Alpha- 3.9 rating on iTunes

The Side Alpha podcast from FireRescue1 puts fire service leaders and emerging leaders in front of the most pressing issues confronting firefighters today. Side Alpha is hosted by Chief Marc Bashoor of FireRescue1.com and FireChief.com, who writes the Chief’s Forum column for FireRescue1.com. Side Alpha is available for download on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Spotify.

10.Firefighter Toolbox Podcast

-4.8 rating on iTunes

Firefighter Toolbox Podcast is for those firefighters and fire officers who want to take their firefighting and leadership skills to the next level. This podcast features interviews with firefighters, leaders, and specialists to understand what it takes to be a successful firefighter and leader. This podcast seeks to provide the necessary tools for people who want to enhance their skill set, so they can be the best firefighter and leader they can be. The Firefighter Toolbox has a goal to provide firefighters with “positive energy and resources to share with their station, crews, and younger firefighters to reinforce and complement the lessons and training being taught at the station. Available to download on iTunes and online.

11.Journeyman Firefighter Podcast- 4.8 rating on iTunes

This is a podcast that creates the feeling of having a conversation with your friends around the coffee table in the fire station. The podcast is hosted by Kiel Samsing, Grant Schwalbe, and Andrew Zysk. They speak to firefighters from a variety of backgrounds and roles, and they discuss why they choose this profession, their training, hobbies and everything in between. The podcast can be downloaded on iTunes and online.

12.The

Volunteer Firefighter Podcast- 4.8 rating on iTunes

If you are a volunteer firefighter, then this podcast is for you. In each episode, a group of rural volunteer firefighters discuss how their department works together to innovate, adapt and overcome the challenges they face both on and off the fire ground. This podcast approaches themes from the perspective of a volunteer firefighter, which makes it unique from other firefighting podcasts. Available to download on iTunes or online.

13.Smart Firefighting podcast4.8 rating on iTunes

Kevin Sofen hosts the Smart Firefighting Podcast, which discusses real-world smart technology deployments through conversations with technologists, innovators, companies, and forwardthinking public safety and government agencies. Every week, there are interviews with thought leaders who share their perspectives and experience. Kevin Sofen, the show’s host, is a co-founder of the WeRespond smart firefighting community and is passionate about smart technology, the future of public safety, and the crucial combination of the two.

Sources: www.firerescue.ie www.podcastsapple.ie