Ten years ago, people got to experience what it’s like to be a Detroit firefighter.
Emotions ran the gamut. There were celebrations as well as bouts of anxiety and stress.
BURN, a documentary on what it was like to be on the hoseline, was shown in theaters in 170 cities across the country.
Viewers watched as Dennis, Dave, Reggie, Chris, Parnell and others were pushed to the limit and beyond as they responded to a multitude of fires doing their best to protect their city despite equipment, personnel and funding challenges.
“I think it opened the eyes of civilians around the country,” said Tom Putnam, director. “Typically, firefighters made up the majority of the audience at the showings on the first night. On the second, it was politicians, mayors and family.”
Some viewers decided to become firefighters after seeing the film.
Putnam said nearly $300,000 from BURN was donated to Detroit to purchase much needed equipment.
When he walked into Station 50, which was randomly selected, he wasn’t met with open arms. And, he said he wasn’t surprised.
“They had been taking a beating (from local media). They were skeptical.”
Instead of walking out the door, Putnam not only stayed but gained their trust. One firefighter asked that he not be filmed. And, the director worked around it to eliminate him.
“I put out some sneak peaks so they could get an idea…and it went from skepticism to a collaborative effort.”
Putnam says there are no words to describe how much he appreciates the acceptance. He’s been there to share weddings, funerals, births and other milestones.
So, what’s happened in the past decade?
Some of those firefighters will be talking about changes and new challenges in BURNX, which will be released Dec. 8. You can order the film at DetroitFireFilm.org.
In addition to crews at Station 50, the audience also will get to know firefighters assigned to Station 40.
Things are changing, but some of the challenges remain the same.
There have been dramatic increases in EMS calls as the city deals with drug overdoses.
“They’re overwhelmed,” Putnam said, adding that some crews have dealt with six cardiac arrests before lunch.
The next generation of Detroit firefighters are more technology savvy, and have a different outlook on life, he noted.
