Fire as the Enemy

Clip: Season 27 Episode 4 | 2m 54s

Fire was essential to the survival of the new US Forest Service. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS.

Aired 02/03/2015 | Rating NR

Fire as the Enemy

Clip: Season 27 Episode 4 | 2m 54s

Fire was essential to the survival of the new US Forest Service. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS.

Chief Forester Gifford Pinchot saw fighting forest fires as being essential to the new Forest Service’s mission. Fire could wipe out entire forests and Pinchot’s rangers were the nation’s only defense against it. "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.

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Fire as the Enemy

Clip: Season 27 Episode 4 | 2m 54s

Aired 02/03/2015 | Rating NR

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History

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Related to This Clip

The Big Burn
In the summer of 1910, the largest fire in American history raged in the Northern Rockies.
The Big Burn Preview
In 1910 the largest fire in U.S. history burned over 3 million acres. Premiering Feb 3.
The Big Burn, Chapter 1
In 1910 the largest fire in U.S. history burned over three million acres.
Beyond the Doc: Wildfires
American wildfire fighting policy and resources over the last century.
Gifford Pinchot's Vision
Roosevelt and Pinchot make a plan to save America's wilderness. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS.
America's Timber
In the early 1900s, timber was an essential US product. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS
"Hire Everybody You Can Find"
In 1910 the U.S. Forest Service was desperately understaffed. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS.
The Heroes of the Big Burn
Firefighters are regaled as heroes for the first time in America. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS.

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Digital Short

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)

Gifford Pinchot's Vision

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

The Heroes of the Big Burn

Firefighters are regaled as heroes for the first time in America. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS. (2m 19s)

"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.