Review: 'Fire Chasers'

If you've seen any of the footage of firefighters battling the massive wildfires in California, you're likely marveling at the bravery of those men and women who voluntarily stand toe-to-toe with one of nature's most unpredictable dangers. But as you watch that horrific footage, keep in mind that mixed in within the ranks of those professional firefighters are more than 2,000 volunteer inmate firefighters, including a small number of youth offenders. These inmates stand right next to the others battling the blazes, except that in the case of these inmates, the only reward they are likely to get is a bit of time away from their incarceration and the slight chance that some of them might be able to find work when they're released.

The inmate volunteer firefighting program is run by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and it's the central part of the documentary series "Fire Chasers," which is currently available on Netflix. Executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, the four-part series focuses on the 2016 wildfire season and the episodes intercut between up-close footage of the fires and a group of inmates training to join the battle, The fire footage is intense and staggering. There are moments when the cameras are in the middle of blazes that are still out of control and viewers are able to get at least a small sense of how horrifying it must be to know one small twist of the wind could end you.

But for all of that excitement, it's even more compelling to follow the stories of these inmates who are willingly learning to tackle wildfires. It's dangerous work and not only is there no pay, there's not even any glory. The training is back-breaking and relentless. And while the inmates are happy to be out in the fresh air, that freedom could cost them their lives.

Director Molly Mayock does a wonderful job of putting the firefighting in the larger context of wildfire prevention. She takes time to show all the factors that can impact the likelihood an area might be in danger. She shows the different groups and interests that impact the fire prevention efforts and highlights some of the things we continue to do wrong. But in the end, what you'll probably remember most are those intimate and epic battles between nature and civilization. It's good to be reminded that despite all the technology of our world and all of the wonderful things we've accomplished as a society, often the most effective way to stop a wildfire is with two hands and a shovel.

One of the saddest parts of watching "Fire Chasers" is hearing the number of times experts mention that the 2016 fires were some of the worst ever seen in California. And they warn that because of climate change, it can only get more intense, more dangerous. Based on the record-breaking wildfires we've already seen in 2018, those dire predictions have been all too accurate.