YORKSHIRE FIREFIGHTERS: BBC TWO ANNOUNCE NEW SERIES

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.

The programmes are 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.

With access to firefighters working at emergencies, the series will take viewers from the control room to the front line. Firefighters will wear the latest helmet-mounted heat resistant cameras, transporting viewers into the heart of the action.

The West Yorkshire Fire And Rescue Service has over 900 firefighters and is a close-knit community with a diverse range of personnel dedicated to serving the public - often in highly dangerous and life-threatening situations. A specialist Urban Search And Rescue Dog called Jessie and water rescue unit are part of a team responding to an increasingly wide range of incidents. Expect drama and jeopardy - but also plenty of Yorkshire warmth and humour too.

Mark Robinson, Executive Producer for Wise Owl Films says: “In 2020, being a firefighter is so much more than just about fighting fires. Today’s skilful and dedicated firefighters face a wider range of callouts than ever - from road traffic collisions to floods and water rescues.

“Using technology that wouldn’t have been available just a few years ago, we want to show viewers just what daily life is like for a West Yorkshire firefighter. They often come from the communities which they serve, and there is a family spirit within each Watch which comes from putting absolute trust in each other on a daily basis."

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dave Walton says: “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.”