The Big Burn, Chapter 1
Clip: Season 27 Episode 4 | 7m 59sVideo has Closed Captions
In 1910 the largest fire in U.S. history burned over three million acres.
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.
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Support provided by:
The Big Burn, Chapter 1
Clip: Season 27 Episode 4 | 7m 59sVideo has Closed Captions
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.
How to Watch American Experience
American Experience is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Buy Now
Related to This Clip
When is a photo an act of resistance?
For families that just decades earlier were torn apart by chattel slavery, being photographed together was proof of their resilience.Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
In 1910 the largest fire in U.S. history burned over 3 million acres. Premiering Feb 3. (30s)
In the early 1900s, timber was an essential US product. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS (2m 58s)
Fire was essential to the survival of the new US Forest Service. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS. (2m 54s)
Roosevelt and Pinchot make a plan to save America's wilderness. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS. (2m 35s)
Firefighters are regaled as heroes for the first time in America. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS. (2m 19s)
In 1910 the U.S. Forest Service was desperately understaffed. Premieres Feb. 3 on PBS. (1m 45s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.