TORONTO – Discovery has readied a new original documentary chronicling Canada’s costliest natural disaster when seasonal wildfires swept through the city and surrounding forest of Fort McMurray, AB last year.
Dubbed “The Beast” for its merciless unpredictability, the ferocious blaze fueled by soaring temperatures and tinder-dry forest spread across nearly 590,000 hectares, destroying 2,400 structures and forcing more than 88,000 residents to flee Canada’s oil sands region.
Incorporating video captured on personal devices, Fort Mac Wildfire: Rogue Earth reveals the heroes of this incredible story – the frontline firefighters, emergency service personnel, and city workers who risked their lives in a desperate battle to save their beloved town.
With his heroic team of professional and volunteer firefighters from around the world, Fire Chief Darby Allen became the face of the response, working around the clock to fight the erratic flames. Throughout Fort Mac Wildfire: Rogue Earth, Allen recounts the unforgettable moments, and the many sacrifices of the first responders and essential service personnel who ultimately saved nearly 90% of the city.
Fort Mac Wildfire: Rogue Earth premiers April 30 at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT on Discovery.
