Discovery Channel Partners With Cal Fire In New Series

CALIFORNIA — For the past three months, camera crews have been following Cal Fire's frontline firefighters to document the largest ever fire season in California. Later this year, that footage will immerse viewers into the massive blazes that have consumed the state this year, with Discovery Channel's newest series "Cal Fire."

The series premiered Tuesday night on Discovery Channel, delivering a look at some of the current fires still burning throughout the Golden State. Camera crews wore protective gear and fire resistant helmet cameras while chasing down fires alongside first responders, according to discovery. Discovery's crews were also required to undergo "Red Flag" training before being embedded with Cal Fire crews as they followed them up and down the state from Shasta to San Diego.

“The men and women of Cal Fire are working round the clock to keep the people of California safe. We are gratified that Discovery has recognized our sacrifice and contribution by making this series,” said Tim Edwards, President, Cal Fire Local 288.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 8,000 wildfires have devoured 3.6 million acres across the state. Since August 15, when California hit peak season, 26 have died and over 6,600 homes and structures have been destroyed.

“California is experiencing one of the most catastrophic fire seasons in the state’s history and we felt a responsibility to bring the heroic stories of those fighting on the frontlines to our viewers,” said Nancy Daniels, Chief Brand Officer, Discovery & Factual. “These courageous men and women put their lives on the line everyday battling wildfires and dealing with effects of climate change first-hand.”

Discovery aims to capture the efforts of some 7,000 firefighters and tell the stories of the men and women behind the state's fire agency in the multi-platform series.

“Cal Fire is one of the country’s most elite firefighting and rescue agencies, recognized the world over for their ability to respond to natural disasters," Executive Producer Terence Wrong said in a statement. "We are honored they chose us to showcase their work and tell their story.”

Episodes will be available each week this year on the Discovery GO app.