Firefighters from region to appear in new BBC TV series

A NEW BBC documentary series featuring Yorkshire firefighters will use the latest technology to bring viewers closer than ever to real emergencies and the men and women dealing with them.

The four- part documentary series has been commissioned by BBC England and BBC Two and follows the work of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service ( WYFRS).

It will be made by Leeds- based independent production company Wise Owl Films and will show what it means to be a firefighter in 2020 and the challenges they face every day to keep people safe.

Firefighters will wear the latest helmet- mounted heat resistant cameras, transporting viewers into the heart of the action.

Aisling O’Connor, head of TV commissioning for England, said: “Being a firefighter is now so much more than fighting fires. We’re going to use the latest technology to show viewers exactly what it takes to be a firefighter today. The programme will put audiences right at the centre of emergencies and the work of the fire service with special helmetmounted “firecams”, footage taken from fire engines and the control room. I can’t wait to see what unfolds.”

Firefighters will start filming in the run- up to Bonfire Night, with the series due to air in 2021.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dave Walton said: “We are really excited to be part of this project and we hope it will give us a great opportunity to show what life is like behind the scenes of a modern day fire and rescue service, and to explode some dated myths.”

A service spokeswoman said the film crew will be clearly marked up as they follow firefighters at locations including private properties. Consent will be sought from anyone who is filmed, she added.