Ep 8. The Big Burn

In American Experience season 26 episode 8, titled "The Big Burn," viewers are taken on a journey through one of the most devastating wildfires in American history. The episode begins in 1910, when the country was experiencing a period of rapid expansion and development. As people began to settle in the western United States, they brought with them a desire for progress and growth that led to the development of towns, mining camps, and railroads throughout the region. However, this progress came at a cost, as the forests surrounding these newly formed communities were continually being cut down, leaving behind vast expanses of dry, flammable land.

In the summer of 1910, a series of fires broke out in the forests of Montana, Idaho, and Washington, fueled by the extremely dry conditions. As the fires burned out of control, they merged into one massive blaze that consumed over three million acres of forest and destroyed entire towns and communities. The episode explores the events leading up to the Big Burn, from the economic and political factors that incentivized the over-harvesting of forests to the widespread belief that fire suppression was the best way to protect communities from forest fires.

In the aftermath of the Big Burn, which claimed the lives of 87 people and left thousands homeless, a new era of forest management began to emerge. Officials began to realize that fire was a natural and necessary part of the ecosystem, and that suppression tactics were only exacerbating the problem. The episode shows how figures like Gifford Pinchot, the chief of the U.S. Forest Service, and Teddy Roosevelt, the former President, advocated for a more holistic approach to forest management that took into account the interconnectedness of all parts of the ecosystem.

Through interviews with experts in the fields of forestry, ecology, and wildfire suppression, "The Big Burn" explores the far-reaching impacts of this catastrophic event. The episode touches on the ways in which the Big Burn influenced the policies of the U.S. Forest Service for decades to come, paving the way for the development of more sustainable and integrated approaches to forest management. Viewers also gain insight into the ongoing challenges of managing wildfires in the modern era, from the impact of climate change to the need for better communication between firefighters and communities.

With breathtaking footage of the wildfires themselves, as well as archival images and interviews with experts and survivors, "The Big Burn" is a gripping and informative look at a pivotal moment in American history. It takes viewers on a journey through the forces that shaped the American West at the turn of the 20th century, from economic growth and expansion to the growing recognition of the need to protect and conserve our natural resources. Ultimately, the episode is a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of working together to build more sustainable and resilient communities in the face of disaster.