Watch Cal Fire

Cal Fire is a documentary series from Discovery Channel that premiered in 2021. The show follows the courageous firefighters of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) as they battle against some of the most destructive and deadly wildfires in recent times. Since 1915, CAL FIRE has been responsible for protecting the state's wildlands and rural areas from catastrophic fires. This series provides an inside look at the men and women who put their lives on the line to save people, animals, and property from the relentless flames.

The show begins by exploring the history of CAL FIRE, tracing the organization's origins from humble beginnings to its current status as a premier wildfire fighting force. The series then shifts its focus to the modern-day challenges faced by CAL FIRE: massive wildfires that are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change, drought, and other factors. The show chronicles how the brave firefighters of CAL FIRE rise to the occasion, employing cutting-edge technologies, teamwork, and sheer determination to combat these blazes.

Each episode of Cal Fire offers a unique and intimate look at what it takes to fight wildfires. Viewers get to ride along with the firefighters as they travel to the front lines of the blaze, accompanied by dramatic footage that captures the sheer scale and intensity of these infernos. Along the way, the show also highlights the various strategies and techniques used by CAL FIRE to corral and extinguish these massive blazes. From back-burning methods to helicopter water drops, each episode is packed with information about how these brave men and women work to save lives and property.

Moreover, the show offers a glimpse into the diverse and dedicated team of men and women who make up CAL FIRE. From the rookies who have just joined the team to the seasoned veterans with decades of experience, the show highlights the human side of firefighting. There are interviews with the firefighters that allow the viewers to understand what motivates them, and the challenges they face while working in one of the most demanding professions. You'll learn how these brave professionals balance their personal and professional lives, and why they are so passionate about what they do.

Throughout the series, the viewer gets a sense of the immense scale of the wildfires that sweep across California each year. The show covers several wildfires that occurred during the height of the fire season, including the fury of the August Complex fire which was remarkably the biggest blaze in California's history, that damaged many forests and caused destruction in various towns. The show reveals how CAL FIRE uses sophisticated technology, such as drones and aerial surveillance, to identify and track the fires, and shore up firefighting efforts.

One of the defining features of Cal Fire is how it chronicles the human impact of these wildfires. As CAL FIRE firefighters battle to save homes and cities, residents struggle to come to grips with the devastation that these fires can leave behind. There is footage of residents who lost their homes, their livelihoods, and in many cases, their loved ones. The footage is incredibly moving, and it brings home the stark reality of these fires. Firefighters recount the moments when they have to fight for their own lives and how they have to use their judgement to stay safe along with doing their job of firefighting.

Overall, Cal Fire is an extraordinary show that provides a unique and insightful look at one of the most challenging, dangerous, and essential professions that exist today. While the show deals with an incredibly serious topic, there are moments of humor and lightness throughout, mostly when the firefighters share their camaraderie and stories during off hours. The show is an exemplar of the courage, resilience, and passion that lies within the firefighting community. It reveals the risks and rewards of being a firefighter in one of the harshest environments in the country, and how the team of professionals is working hard to maintain the safety of Californians.

Cal Fire is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between January 3, 2021 and on Discovery Channel