Fire Science Technology: Media

This episode of Modern Marvels examines the most extreme raging fires and the firefighters who tame them. The program features interviews with a World War II firefighter who helped contain the London's blitz fire. We also meet "Hell Fighters" who fight raging oil well fires, and "smoke jumpers" who parachute into forest fires. Firefighting: Extreme Conditions also takes a look at how NASA guards against the very real risk of a fire aboard a space vessel.

What is it like to be a Firefighter? In this Career Q&A video interview, Richard Symns talks about his career path, what he does on the job, and the keys to success fighting fires. He also offers candid advice on breaking into the profession as well as insight into the industry’s biggest challenges and how the field may change in the next ten years.

Dennis Gordon has served as a firefighter in New York City for 36 years and has the distinction of having been decorated ten times for his service to the city, including the Hugh Bonner Medal which is one of the department's highest awards. He was appointed to the FDNY in 1978 and was first assigned to Engine 45 in the South Bronx at a time when there were multiple fires a day. In 1987 he was promoted to Lieutenant and was assigned to the 1st Division (below 14th Street in Manhattan). Due to his considerable experience he was called upon to serve Ladder 120 in the demanding area of Brownsville, Brooklyn. Transferred to the Special Operations Command in 2005, Gordon spent the first two years in Squad 18 in lower Manhattan before being relocated to his current assignment in Rescue 4 in Queens. (There are only 5 Rescue Companies, one per borough.)