Burn

Burn is a compelling and poignant documentary-style film from 2012 that delves into the world of firefighters in the city of Detroit. A city that is synonymous with industrial decline in America, Detroit's struggles reflect in every frame of the movie. Directed by Tom Putnam and Brenna Sanchez, the film's gritty realism comes alive through its protagonists - Detroit firefighters Donald Austin, Brendan Doogie Milewski, and Craig Dougherty, showcasing the harsh realities they face and the literal fires they are combating in the course of their dangerous work.

The film primarily focuses on one fire company – Detroit's Engine Company 50 – which serves a severely blighted area. The opening showcases some stark statistics about the city, painting a grim picture of Detroit as a city on the brink, grappling with budget constraints, and the subsequent impact on its public services. This, however, forms the backdrop of the film, as it zooms into the lives of our heroes – the firefighters.

Donald Austin, a newly appointed commissioner, is an outsider who comes to Detroit with the seemingly impossible mandate of overhauling the antiquated and financially strapped fire department. An African American, who cut his teeth in LA, Austin’s appointment is seen as a promising change. But his optimistic plan to restructure the system faces considerable pushbacks from an entrenched and resistant department.

Brendan Doogie Milewski, a firefighter who was paralyzed on the job, is another central figure in the movie. His raw interview, shot from his wheelchair, tells a gut-wrenching tale of the line of duty's dangers and the personal costs he's paid to be a public servant. Milewski’s spirit amidst adversity and his no-holds-barred reflection on his service, brings an emotional depth to the narrative, posing as a reminder of the stakes these brave individuals face while upholding their commitment to the community.

Lastly, Craig Dougherty – the captain of Engine Company 50, is also a central subject. His on-the-job experience and leadership under pressure while managing resources and his team paint a vivid picture of his resilience. His candid discussions about the challenges faced by his team and their relentless pursuit to serve and protect their community, despite the odds, brings a human touch to the larger urban decay narrative.

Woven through the personal narratives of these firefighters, Burn illustrates the grueling challenges faced by this embattled city and its first responders. It offers a close look at Detroit's struggles, a city where citizens are forced to burn their houses for insurance purposes, and around 30,000 vacant buildings serve as kindle for arsonists. These vacant lots, products of economic decline, have demanded an evolution of firefighting tactics, and the bravery and ingenuity of these firefighters shine through against the landscape of urban decay.

Just as the city's monumental architecture builds a backdrop against the personal tales of courage and resilience, the cinematography casts a sobering yet striking aesthetic throughout the film. With the filmmakers embedded in the company for a year, the exceptional access results in an unprecedented portrayal of modern American firefighters. In particular, the roaring fires filmed from the firefighters' perspective with helmet-cams, takes audiences into burning buildings, capturing what it feels like to be in the middle of a house fire.

Beyond the firefighting and the economic crisis, Burn is a human story at its core. It captures the raw emotion and steadfast determination of people who willingly put their lives on the line for their city and one another. It doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the job or the city's difficult conditions; instead, every paralyzing injury, every roaring fire, every tear of frustration serves to highlight the resilience and bravery of these everyday heroes.

Burn is an emotional tour-de-force that presents an honest, riveting, and insightful look at these modern-day heroes' lives. It's more than just a film about firefighters in Detroit; it’s a testament to human resilience, courage, and dedication in the face of overwhelming odds. The story of Detroit's firefighters is emblematic of so many American cities suffering from socio-economic decline and dwindling state resources. Yet, amid the fiery trials, there is a sense of hope and a spirit of resilience that embodies the phrase "Detroit Strong," making Burn an inspiring tribute to those who stand tall amid the ashes of adversity.