The best thing about firefighter documentary films is that they’re not your typical Hollywood glitz-and-glamour-type movies. They’re real, raw and sometimes even emotionally driven. Some are entertaining, others offer a glimpse into the life of a firefighter or crew, and still others provide historical background and showing life-changing events.
Here’s our list of 15 must-view firefighter documentary films for new firefighters and seasoned members alike.
15. “American Experience: Triangle Fire”
“Triangle Fire” is for all the history buffs out there. The documentary chronicles the fire that tore through the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City, killing 148 women.
Where to watch:
- PBS offers the full episode, and it’s often available for free streaming and on the PBS Video app. Many local PBS stations also stream the full documentary and clips.
- Netflix carries the documentary in certain regions, though availability varies.
- Purchase on Amazon for offline viewing.
14. “In the Red”
“In the Red” is a documentary that follows six men through an intense training program to become EMTs and eventually firefighters in Oakland, California. It looks at the obstacles the candidates face, both at the academy and at home.
Where to watch:
- Official documentary site: The film’s site notes that the video is currently private — you may need to request access or wait for a public release . The site notes: “We are fortunate to work with GOOD DOCS on educational distribution for IN THE RED. If you are interested in purchasing or streaming the film for an educational institution listed below, please visit this website for more information. You can also contact GOOD DOCS directly with any questions about buying the film: outreach@gooddocs.net.” The film is available to the following institutions and organizations: universities, four-year colleges, high schools, community colleges, nonprofits/community groups, for-profits/corporations and public libraries. All proceeds go toward Bay Area Youth EMT Program and the fire academy featured in the film.
13. “Into the Fire”
“Into the Fire” originally premiered on The History Channel. The film follows real-life firefighters, from big city to small-town volunteer departments, and offers a glimpse inside fire station camaraderie and the raw, emotional feelings of being unable to save a victim.
Where to watch: Amazon
12. “Brotherhood: Life in the FDNY”
“Brotherhood” is an insider’s point-of-view of the fire service, focusing on three fire companies. Firefighters’ helmet cameras help bring viewers into the action and drama of firefighting. The film captures what brotherhood really means in the fire service perfectly.
Where to watch: Purchase the DVD on Amazon
11. “Era of Megafires”
Era of Megafires is a 60‑minute multi‑media documentary–style presentation by USFS research ecologist Dr. Paul Hessburg, produced and filmed by North 40 Productions in front of a live audience. It explores the escalation of western wildfires, the science behind them, and actions communities can take.
Where to watch:
- Official site (EraOfMegafires.com): The documentary’s official site hosts the full 60‑minute version, a condensed 20‑minute cut, and individual topical excerpts (e.g., prescribed burning, forest management).
- Vimeo: The 20‑minute version is available via North Forty Productions
10. “Woman on Fire”
“Woman on Fire” is a 90-minute documentary about Brooke Guinan, New York City’s first openly transgender firefighter. The film follows her transition and the obstacles and challenges she faced. Guinan now serves as a diversity and inclusion trainer.
Where to watch:
- Rent or purchse via Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu or YouTube
- Stream on Peacock Premium / Premium Plus or The Roku Channel & Plex
9. “Charleston 9: The Ultimate Sacrifice”
This short documentary from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation looks at how the Charleston (S.C.) Fire Department recovered following the deaths of nine firefighters on June 18, 2007, highlighting the departmental changes made.
Where to watch: YouTube
8. “America Burning: The Yarnell Hill Fire Tragedy and the Nation’s Wildfire Crisis”
In this documentary from The Weather Channel, friends, family and the lone survivor of the Granite Mountain Hotshots speak out. The documentary also focuses on climate change and drought, and brings awareness to the state of our nation’s wildfire readiness.
Where to watch: Weather Films —The Weather Channel’s official documentary site
7. “The Fire Asylum”
“The Fire Asylum” is a documentary about six firefighters going through an intense training program inside an abandoned West Virginia Penitentiary. The firefighters, who come from around the U.S., spent 26 hours inside the abandoned building. The training was designed to test the firefighters mentally and physically.
Where to watch:
6. “A Good Job: Stories of the FDNY”
Before he was a famous actor, Steve Buscemi was a firefighter with the FDNY. “A Good Job” first premiered on HBO and follows Buscemi inside Manhattan’s Engine House 55, which he joined at 22 years old and worked in for four years.
Where to watch:
- Stream on HBO Max or Amazon Prime Video
- Rent or purchase on Apple TV or the Microsoft Store, Google Play, Fandango at Home, YouTube VOD or Vudu
5. “9/11 – The Filmmakers’ Commemorative Edition”
This documentary from filmmakers Jules and Gedeon Naudet was originally meant to follow a 21-year-old firefighter trainee at a firehouse located seven blocks from the World Trade Center. However, the film’s direction took a turn when it captured the only video of the first jet striking Tower 1 of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. It is the only footage from within the tower as it collapsed. The documentary was first aired on CBS in 2002.
Where to watch:
- Stream on Amazon Prime
- Purchase the DVD from Amazon, Walmart or other retailers.
4. “Wildland”
“Wildland,” a documentary that was filmed over one summer fire season, won two Emmy Awards for outstanding cinematography and outstanding editing. It follows the Grayback Forestry team in Oregon and showcases the realities of wildland firefighting.
Where to watch:
- Stream it on Amazon Prime or Apple TV
- Purchase the DVD or Blu-ray
3. “For the Love of Their Brother”
New York City firefighter Stephen Siller died on Sept. 11, 2001. He heard a call come in about a plane hitting one of the World Trade Center towers as he was leaving work. He turned his truck around, ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel and went toward what would eventually become Ground Zero. This documentary is about Siller’s story as well as his family’s, and how they chose to honor his legacy. It details the struggles and triumphs of the Siller family in the aftermath of the tragedy.
- Where to watch: Amazon
2. “Fire in Paradise”
“Fire in Paradise” is a Netflix documentary that recalls the 2018 Camp Fire, which devastated the town of Paradise, California. It quickly became the state’s deadliest wildfire, killing 85 people and destroying nearly 20,000 buildings. The documentary focuses on the survivors, giving viewers a glimpse into their experiences as the horrific fire raged.
Where to watch:
- Stream the film on Netflix or Plex
- Rent the PBS Documentaries version on Amazon Prime
1. “BURN”
From executive producer Denis Leary, “BURN” is a documentary about the Detroit Fire Department. The film takes you into the fires and into the lives of the real and compelling firefighters that drive the story.
Where to watch:
- Stream the documenary on Plex or Tubi
- Rent or purchase the documentary on Amazon Prime, Apple TV or Google Play
Editor’s note: Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below. And, if you’re in the mood for Hollywood’s take on firefighters’ lives, check out our list of the best firefighting movies of all time.
This article, originally posted in February 2017, has been updated with new information about how to watch each documentary.
