New Knowledge Network docuseries on BC wildfires debuts later this month

You won’t need a Netflix, Disney Plus or Apple TV subscription to watch this one.

A new Knowledge Network five-part docuseries called Wildfire is set to debut later this month and will be available to stream for free across Canada.

The season premiere comes out at 8 pm PST on Tuesday, April 29, with four additional episodes dropping on Tuesdays throughout May.

It will feature unprecedented footage from British Columbia’s 2023 wildfire season, which saw a record-breaking 2.84-million hectares of forest and land burn.

The behind-the-scenes look at BC’s wildfire response follows initial-attack crews to specialized air attack, parattack and rapattack teams.

It’s touted as an in-depth and educational exploration of cutting-edge tactics used by the highly-trained frontline workers of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).

“As wildfires grow more intense, understanding how they’re fought and managed is crucial,” said Michelle van Beusekom, CEO of Knowledge Network.

“We hope the series deepens appreciation for the incredible work being done by wildland firefighters and sparks a broader conversation about how we adapt to the evolving wildfire landscape.”

Wildfire was created by Optic Nerve Films’ Kevin Eastwood and CK9 Studios’ Simon Shave and Clayton Mitchell, who are both former wildland firefighters.

The BCWS rarely grants filming access during a wildfire season, but an exception was made in this case because of Shave and Mitchell’s firefighting experience and Eastwood’s sensitive storytelling.

Shave and Mitchell say they’re honoured that the BCWS trusted them with the idea and Wildfire is not just about dramatic footage.

“We wanted to unlock the human stories of not only those affected, but those fighting the infernos who are so often also personally impacted,” they explained.

“It was incredible to witness the power communities can have when they rally together during loss and disaster.”

Once it debuts in late April and continues through May, you’ll be able to watch Wildfire on Knowledge Network or stream it online for free in Canada.

_{Thumbnail images contributed by Knowledge Network.}