Previews + Extras
The Big Burn, Chapter 1
S27 E4 - 7m 59s
In the summer of 1910, hundreds of wildfires raged across the Northern Rockies. By the time it was all over, more than three million acres had burned and at least 78 firefighters were dead. It was the largest fire in American history, and it assured the future of the still-new United States Forest Service. The Big Burn premieres February 3 on American Experience PBS.
Gifford Pinchot's Vision
S27 E4 - 2m 35s
At the turn of the 20th century, Gifford Pinchot was the nation’s preeminent forester. When his good friend, Theodore Roosevelt became president in 1901, the two men created plans and programs for protecting America’s forests. "The Big Burn" premieres February 3 on PBS American Experience.
America's Timber
S27 E4 - 2m 58s
In the early 1900s, timber was an essential industrial product in the US. Gifford Pinchot and President Theodore Roosevelt worried that unless America’s forests were protected and regulated, the nation’s forests would soon disappear. "The Big Burn" premieres February 3 on PBS American Experience.
Fire as the Enemy
S27 E4 - 2m 54s
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.
"Hire Everybody You Can Find"
S27 E4 - 1m 45s
In the summer of 1910, the Forest Service had less than 500 rangers nationwide. With hundreds of fires already burning, the organization set out to hire more men; in some instances, they even let out felons from local jails to help battle the blazes. "The Big Burn" premieres February 3 on PBS American Experience
The Heroes of the Big Burn
S27 E4 - 2m 19s
After the Big Burn, Pinchot publicizes the selfless actions of the fire fighters who lost their lives in the blaze. The men who gave their lives to defend America’s public lands were regaled as heroes in the press, and an outpouring of public support helps ensure the survival and growth of the U.S. Forest Service. "The Big Burn" premieres February 3 on PBS American Experience.
The Big Burn Preview
S27 E4 - 30s
In the summer of 1910, hundreds of wildfires raged across the Northern Rockies. By the time it was all over, more than three million acres had burned and at least 78 firefighters were dead. It was the largest fire in American history, and it assured the future of the still-new United States Forest Service.
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