Review of Burn (2012) by Noah F — 16 Apr 2013

If you've ever watched a firetruck scream past you with the Q (firetruck siren) blaring and the lights flashing and wanted to know what the men and women inside it are getting ready to do, you need to see this documentary.

BURN is the compelling story of the Detroit Fire Department and the brave souls who risk life and limb every day so that others might live. They aren't just fighting fire, even though they see more flame (30,000 live fire calls per year on average) than perhaps any other department in the United States, they also serve as pillars of their community; they're also realtors, contractors, barbers, fathers, husbands, and brothers.

They genuinely care about the community they serve because it's where they're from, and it becomes clear quite quickly in the film that they would do anything to see Detroit rise from the ashes of its current economic blight.

This is a unique film that will not only bring the viewer along for the call and inside the burning building, but also show you the dedication of all those who serve on the line in Detroit, both to one another and their city.

It will also show you the daunting obstacles put in their way by budget cuts and the managers at City Hall, certainly a huge problem in Detroit, but one that is common throughout the country. It doesn't matter if you're from Detroit or not, do all Firefighters a favor: go see this documentary.

It might go a little way towards showing you why people put on gear and answer the call.