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American Experience

The Heroes of the Big Burn

Firefighters are regaled as heroes for the first time in America. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS.

Aired 02/03/2015 | Rating NR

American Experience

The Heroes of the Big Burn

Clip: Season 27 Episode 4 | 2m 19s

Firefighters are regaled as heroes for the first time in America. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS.

After the Big Burn, Pinchot publicizes the selfless actions of the fire fighters who lost their lives in the blaze. The men who gave their lives to defend America’s public lands were regaled as heroes in the press, and an outpouring of public support helps ensure the survival and growth of the U.S. Forest Service. "The Big Burn" premieres February 3 on PBS American Experience.

Aired 02/03/2015 | Rating NR

Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Support provided by:

Liberty Mutual InsuranceCarlisle

The Big Burn Preview

In 1910 the largest fire in U.S. history burned over 3 million acres. Premiering Feb 3. (30s)

America's Timber

In the early 1900s, timber was an essential US product. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS (2m 58s)

The Big Burn, Chapter 1

Video has Closed Captions

In 1910 the largest fire in U.S. history burned over three million acres. (7m 59s)

Fire as the Enemy

Fire was essential to the survival of the new US Forest Service. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS. (2m 54s)

Gifford Pinchot's Vision

Roosevelt and Pinchot make a plan to save America's wilderness. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS. (2m 35s)

"Hire Everybody You Can Find"

In 1910 the U.S. Forest Service was desperately understaffed. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS. (1m 45s)

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Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

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